Serving locally: United Kingdom.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · Canada · Australia.

Moraph for Good · Voice

Serving locally: United Kingdom

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally

Local services depend on residents who give some of their time, from one day at an election to a seat on an advisory board. This sheet helps you find a role that fits.

Ways to serve

Advisory boards and commissions on subjects such as parks, libraries or accessibility.
Election work, run by the official election office.
School governing boards, community councils and volunteer roles with public services.

Ask before you apply

Who is eligible, and are there background checks?
How much time does it take, and what training is provided?
Is it paid, or are expenses covered?
Are there rules about political activity?

Where to look

Your local government’s website, under boards, committees or vacancies.
Your official election office for election work.
The official sources on the back of this sheet.

Stay impartial

Election workers serve every voter equally.
Questions about voting go to your official election office.

In the United Kingdom

Public appointments. You can search and apply for positions at public bodies, such as boards of national museums, regulators and advisory committees. Anyone can apply. Some positions are unpaid, but most cover expenses.
Magistrates. Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in courts in their community, in the criminal court, the family court, or both.
School governors in England. Anyone can be a school governor or academy trustee; you don’t need to be a parent or have specific skills, and training can be provided. It is unpaid, but expenses such as travel or childcare can be covered. You can contact a school, a trust or your local council.
Time off for public duties. Employees can get a reasonable amount of time off if they are, for example, a magistrate, a local councillor or a school governor. Employers can choose whether to pay for it. All employees must be allowed time off for jury service.

Official places to check:

GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/public-appointments
GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/become-magistrate
GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/become-governor-trustee
GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/time-off-work-public-duties

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally