Your Role in the Community

Civic Participation

Being an active and engaged member of your community is one of the five fundamental principles of British life.

Ways to Participate:

• Vote in elections (local, national, and European)
• Register on the electoral register (this is a legal requirement)
• Stand for public office (if eligible)
• Serve on a jury when called
• Volunteer in your local community
• Help in your local school as a school governor
• Support a political party or campaign group
• Contact your local MP or councillor about issues that matter to you

Volunteering

• Volunteering is an important part of UK life
• Millions of people volunteer regularly
• Opportunities include:
  • Helping at local charities and food banks
  • Supporting local schools and hospitals
  • Environmental conservation
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Helping with community events

Jury Service

• A civic duty — you can be called to serve
• Most people aged 18–75 on the electoral register may be called
• You must attend unless there is a good reason not to
• Juries decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty

Standing for Public Office

• UK citizens, Irish citizens, and qualifying Commonwealth citizens aged 18 or over can stand
• You can stand as a councillor, MP, or member of a devolved administration
• No formal qualifications are required

Your Local Area

Responsibilities include:

• Looking after the environment — reduce, reuse, recycle
• Being a good neighbour — considerate noise levels, maintaining your property
• Knowing local services — GP surgery, schools, council
• Respecting others — regardless of their background

Getting Help

• Citizens Advice Bureau — free advice on legal, financial, and other matters
• Your local council — for information on services in your area
• Your MP — for issues that affect your constituency