Being a Councillor
Person Specification

To run for the elected office of ‘Councillor’, you must be at least 18 years old on the day of your nomination, be a British, Commonwealth or EU citizen and meet at least one of the following criteria:

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1. You are registered to vote in Portsmouth.

2. You have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in Portsmouth during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election.

3. Your main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of your nomination and the day of election is in Portsmouth.

4. You have lived in Portsmouth during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election.

 

While you don’t need any special qualifications to be a councillor, having or being able to develop the following skills, knowledge and attributes will help you in the role.

 

Communication skills

These include listening and interpersonal skills, public speaking skills, the ability to consider alternative points of view and to negotiate, mediate and resolve conflict.

 

Problem solving and analytical skills

This includes being able to get to the bottom of an issue and to think of different ways to resolve it, including considering the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

 

Team working

This includes being able to work with others in meetings and on committees. It also includes being able to complete any tasks that you agree to do on time.

 

Organisational skills

Being able to plan and manage your time, keep appointments and meet deadlines.

 

Ability to engage with your local community

You may have to make yourself available through meetings, the media, the internet, public forums, debates and on the telephone.