Your Role in the Community

Becoming a British citizen or permanent resident brings with it certain rights and responsibilities. Being a good citizen means contributing to your community and helping to make the UK a better place to live.

Voting

The UK is a parliamentary democracy. The right to vote (also called 'suffrage' or 'the franchise') is one of the most important civic responsibilities. UK citizens and citizens of the Commonwealth and the Irish Republic who are resident in the UK can vote in all public elections. Citizens of EU countries who are resident in the UK can vote in local elections and elections to the devolved administrations.

To vote, you must be:

• 18 years of age or over (16 in Scottish Parliament and local elections in Scotland and Wales)
• On the electoral register -- you can register by contacting your local council electoral registration office or by visiting www.gov.uk

There are different types of elections:

• General elections for the UK Parliament at Westminster -- held at least every five years
• Local elections for local councils
• Elections to the devolved parliaments/assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• By-elections when a seat becomes vacant between general elections
• European Parliament elections (prior to Brexit)

You can vote in person at a polling station, by post or by proxy (getting someone else to vote on your behalf).

Standing for Office

Most citizens of the UK, the Irish Republic or the Commonwealth who are 18 or over can stand for public office. This includes standing as a candidate in local council elections, elections to the devolved parliaments and assemblies, or for the UK Parliament.

There are some exceptions -- you cannot stand for office if you are:

• A member of the armed forces
• A civil servant
• A person found guilty of certain criminal offences

Jury Service

Serving on a jury is an important civic duty. Every person on the electoral register aged between 18 and 75 may be called to serve on a jury. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a jury has 12 members. In Scotland, a jury has 15 members. Juries listen to the evidence in a court case and decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

You can be fined if you do not attend jury service when called, although you may be excused or have your service deferred in certain circumstances.

Volunteering

Volunteering is an important part of UK community life. There are many ways to volunteer and help your community:

• Helping in schools -- for example, by volunteering as a classroom assistant, helping with reading, or supporting school events
• Helping with youth activities -- organisations such as the Scouts and Guides, sports clubs and youth centres rely on volunteers
• Caring for the environment -- through conservation work, litter picking, tree planting or community gardening
• Supporting charities -- many national and local charities depend on volunteers. Well-known charities include the National Trust, the RSPCA, Oxfam, the British Red Cross and Age UK
• Helping the elderly or vulnerable -- visiting isolated people, providing meals, or helping with shopping and transport
• Working in charity shops -- many high streets have charity shops staffed by volunteers

Volunteering is a good way to meet people, learn new skills and improve your English language abilities. It can also help with finding paid employment.

School Governors and School Boards

Parents and other community members can volunteer to become school governors (in England) or members of school boards (in Scotland). School governors help set the school's aims and policies, monitor the school's performance and manage the budget. This is a valuable way to contribute to the education of young people in your community.

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch schemes are a partnership between local communities and the police. Members look out for suspicious activity and report it to the police. Being part of Neighbourhood Watch helps reduce crime and makes communities safer. Schemes exist across the UK and are coordinated locally.

Supporting the Local Community

There are many other ways to participate in and support your local community:

• Attending local council meetings -- these are open to the public and are a way to find out about local issues and have your say
• Joining a residents' association or community group
• Helping to organise community events such as fetes, street parties and festivals
• Keeping your neighbourhood clean and tidy
• Getting to know your neighbours and looking out for one another

Blood and Organ Donation

Donating blood and registering as an organ donor are important ways to help others. The UK has a system for blood donation run by the NHS Blood and Transplant service (in England and North Wales), the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, the Welsh Blood Service and the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service.

You can register as an organ donor through the NHS Organ Donor Register. This means that your organs can be used to save the lives of others after your death. In England and Wales, an opt-out system (also known as 'deemed consent') means that all adults are considered potential organ donors unless they have opted out. Scotland and Northern Ireland also have similar systems.

Respecting Your Community

Living in the UK means respecting the rights and freedoms of others. Key responsibilities include:

• Treating others with fairness and respect
• Not discriminating against people because of their background, religion, gender or sexuality
• Looking after the environment
• Disposing of rubbish properly and recycling where possible
• Keeping noise to a reasonable level, especially at night

Check that you understand

• Who is eligible to vote and how to register
• What jury service involves and your obligation to attend
• The different ways you can volunteer in your community
• What Neighbourhood Watch schemes do
• How to register as a blood or organ donor
• Your responsibilities as a member of the community

*This is a study guide for the Life in the UK test. Content is based on the official handbook topics.*