Chapter 5: Your Role in the Community

Core Values and Responsibilities

British society emphasises shared values that unite its diverse population. All residents are expected to:

• Obey and respect the law
• Be aware of and respect the rights of others
• Treat others with fairness and respect
• Behave responsibly
• Support and look after your family
• Help to preserve the environment
• Work to provide for yourself and your family
• Vote in local and national government elections

Embracing these values helps individuals become active, contributing members of society.

Voting and Elections

• Voting is one of the most important ways to participate in democracy
• All UK citizens and qualifying Commonwealth and Irish citizens aged 18 and over can vote
• You must be on the electoral register to vote
• Register at your local council or at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
• Elections use a secret ballot -- no one can see how you voted
• Types of elections include:
  • General elections (for MPs to the UK Parliament)
  • Local elections (for local councillors)
  • Devolved elections (for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, and Northern Ireland Assembly)
  • European elections (when the UK was an EU member)

Standing for Office

• Most people aged 18 or over can stand for public office
• You can stand as a candidate for:
  • Local council
  • Devolved parliaments/assemblies
  • UK Parliament
  • European Parliament (when applicable)

Being a Good Neighbour

• When moving to a new area, introduce yourself to nearby residents
• Good relationships with neighbours create opportunities for friendship and mutual support
• Neighbours can help with practical matters such as pet care during holidays and local recommendations

Avoiding Disputes

• Respect privacy and avoid being intrusive
• Minimise noise, especially late at night
• "Keep your garden tidy" and present your property well
• Place rubbish bins out only when collection is scheduled
• If disputes arise, try to resolve them calmly and amicably
• Mediation services are available to help resolve neighbour disputes

Volunteering

"Volunteering and helping your community are an important part of being a good citizen."

Volunteering helps people:

• Integrate into their local community
• Build relationships and make friends
• Develop new skills and gain experience
• Strengthen neighbourhoods and communities
• Give back to society

Examples of Volunteering

• Helping at local charities and community organisations
• Volunteering at schools or hospitals
• Participating in neighbourhood watch schemes
• Supporting environmental projects and clean-up campaigns
• Helping at sports clubs and youth organisations
• Volunteering for the National Trust or other heritage organisations

Jury Service

• Jury service is a civic duty that most adults aged 18--70 can be called to perform
• Jurors decide whether defendants are guilty or not guilty in criminal trials
• Employers must allow employees time off for jury service

Helping the Community

Supporting fellow residents creates safer, more cohesive communities. Ways to contribute include:

• Participating in local democracy (attending council meetings, voting)
• Supporting local businesses and services
• Looking after public spaces and the environment
• Reporting crime and anti-social behaviour
• Helping vulnerable people in your community (elderly neighbours, etc.)
• Donating to or volunteering for charitable causes

Looking After the Environment

Everyone has a responsibility to look after the environment:

• Recycle as much waste as possible
• Reduce energy use by turning off lights and using energy-efficient appliances
• Walk, cycle, or use public transport where possible
• Do not litter or fly-tip (illegally dump waste)
• Report environmental crimes to your local council