Community Councils
A Community Council is a voluntary organisation set up by statute by the Local Authority and run by local residents to act on behalf of its area. As the most local tier of elected representation, Community Councils play an important role in local democracy.
Community Councils are comprised of people who care about their community and want to make it a better place to live.
As well as representing the community to the local authority, Community Councils facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the well-being of their communities. They bring local people together to help make things happen, and many Community Councils protect and promote the identity of their community. They advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities
Community Engagement
Every person in our community has something valuable to offer. The Royal Burgh of Jedburgh Community Council seeks to involve a broad range of residents, recognising that diversity of experience and perspective helps the Council achieve more for everyone. When people take part in shaping decisions, they become more proactive in meeting the needs of the town.
Community engagement means building open, honest relationships between citizens and the Community Council, founded on mutual trust. Engagement may take many forms — from sharing information about ongoing projects, to consulting on specific issues, to empowering residents with decision‑making roles. Some engagement will be continuous, while other activities may be short‑term or event‑based.
By law, Community Councils must be non‑discriminatory. They should be welcoming, open, and respectful toward all citizens — including young people and those from under‑represented groups. No one should be excluded from participating in Council activities.
Reaching out to a wide range of residents strengthens the Council’s ability to represent Jedburgh fairly and encourages collaboration with neighbouring communities and local authorities. The Council should also engage with those who cannot yet become official members, such as children, to ensure their voices are heard.
There is no single correct way to engage with citizens. What works for one group may not reach another. As the representative voice of the Royal Burgh, the Community Council must not only share information but also listen — gathering views and ideas from across Jedburgh to guide its work.
Community Engagement
Every person in our community has something valuable to offer. The Royal Burgh of Jedburgh Community Council seeks to involve a broad range of residents, recognising that diversity of experience and perspective helps the Council achieve more for everyone. When people take part in shaping decisions, they become more proactive in meeting the needs of the town.
Community engagement means building open, honest relationships between citizens and the Community Council, founded on mutual trust. Engagement may take many forms — from sharing information about ongoing projects, to consulting on specific issues, to empowering residents with decision‑making roles. Some engagement will be continuous, while other activities may be short‑term or event‑based.
By law, Community Councils must be non‑discriminatory. They should be welcoming, open, and respectful toward all citizens — including young people and those from under‑represented groups. No one should be excluded from participating in Council activities.
Reaching out to a wide range of residents strengthens the Council’s ability to represent Jedburgh fairly and encourages collaboration with neighbouring communities and local authorities. The Council should also engage with those who cannot yet become official members, such as children, to ensure their voices are heard.
There is no single correct way to engage with citizens. What works for one group may not reach another. As the representative voice of the Royal Burgh, the Community Council must not only share information but also listen — gathering views and ideas from across Jedburgh to guide its work.