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There is a growing body of work that explores the European-wide pressures that are leading to change in the role of the councillor as an elected representative. The project is a cross European exploration of the changing role of the councillor where similar pressures for change have emerged: changing organisational and political contexts, developments in local government functions and expectations, shifts in central-local government relationships, growing demands for citizen participation; and; local government Europeanisation. These changes mean we no longer have a clear picture of the role and functions of the councillor. Nor do we know if current councillor role theory is sufficiently robust. The trends described have been acute in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland (Berg and Rao, 2005, Swianiewicz (ed) 2010), as a result the research will identify, clarify and explore the effects of the trends for change in the role of the councillor.

1 Explore the developing and varied roles of the councillor;  

2. Examine the tensions councillors experience as a representative, decision-maker and governor; 

3. Analyse how council organisation effects councillors as representative, decision-maker and governor;

4. Explore councillors’ role perceptions, including in respect of europeanisation at local level 

5. Examine how different political, institutional and democratic arrangements and trends across Europe have influenced the development of councillors’ role;and consider and contribute to councillor role theory

6. Consider and contribute to councillor role theory

BA-Applied Social Studies 2:1

MA-Human Resource Management

Post Graduation Certificate in Education

Consultant Adviser/facilitator, Local Government. Centre for Public Scrutiny Regional Advocate for Yorkshire and Humber (22councils) and the North East (12 councils) Health Scrutiny Adviser. Planning and delivery of regional scrutiny events. Elected member development work, one to one surveys with members. Work with local government members and officers on impact/implications of legislation. Work with member development officers on member related issues .