Be a Councillor Campaign Survey

Feedback updated 8 Jan 2026

We asked

An online survey was carried out with citizens for the following purposes: 

  • To understand citizens’ awareness of the council and how it operates. 

  • To gather views and perspectives on becoming a councillor, providing insight to support the development of the Be a Councillor briefing sessions delivered to citizens in 2025. 

The survey ran from 09.05.25 to 15.07.25 and received 125 responses. 

You said

Most respondents felt they had a reasonable understanding of what the local council does and the services it provides, although their familiarity with how it operates varied. Council websites and email newsletters were the main sources of information, alongside local newspapers, councillors, MPs, and social media.

Many participants valued the ability to influence local decisions but had mixed confidence in doing so. They preferred engaging through councillors, MPs, or the council itself, and said greater awareness of local issues and involvement opportunities would help.

Respondents were generally aware of local councillors’ roles but less familiar with how to become one. Many felt there was insufficient clear, accessible information for prospective councillors. Financial constraints and lack of understanding of the council’s work were the most common barriers.

Interest in standing for election was evenly split, with motivators including a desire to make a difference and community involvement, while barriers included lack of time, knowledge, experience, and trust in the system. Clear information, training, and understanding of council processes were seen as key topics for future briefing sessions.

We did

  • Survey feedback (e.g. lack of awareness of process, challenges and opportunities) will be used to refine service design and future participation and engagement activity, plan new‑year promotion of the Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together community, and enhance ongoing engagement with council service sign‑ups. 

  • The Local Government Association (LGA) used the feedback to inform the design and delivery of the Be a Councillor campaign briefing sessions held in 2025. 

Closed 15 Jul 2025

Opened 9 May 2025

Contact

Public Participation Team

BAC@birmingham.gov.uk

Overview

The Be a Councillor Campaign is designed to encourage and support Birmingham residents who are interested in pursuing a role as a councillor. 

We are conducting a survey to gain insight into the support Birmingham residents may require if they choose to represent their local community as a local ward Councillor.  Your feedback will help us shape future sessions for the Be a Councillor Campaign to ensure the sessions are as useful as possible.  

Data may be shared in internal and external reports with teams within Birmingham City Council and Local Government Authority (LGA). Findings from the survey may be used for promotional materials. No information will be reported or published that will enable an individual to be identified. Any personal data collected will be handled in accordance with the Birmingham City Council Privacy Policy: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50333/privacy/2926/privacy_statement

Coming Soon: Be a Councillor Briefing Sessions – Autumn 2025

We’ll be hosting a series of free briefing sessions in September and October 2025 (exact dates and venues to be confirmed). Each session will last around three hours and will provide:

  • A detailed overview of what it’s like to be a councillor
  • Practical information about the role and responsibilities
  • A chance to meet local councillors and ask your questions directly

If you're interested in taking the next step towards becoming a councillor, please email us at BAC@birmingham.gov.uk with your full name and contact email address, and we’ll get in touch with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • All residents

Interests

  • Democracy and Participation