This page sets out a set of simple principles residents use to ensure Ferrensby’s Parish Meeting remains inclusive, fair, and workable for all residents, including those who volunteer and participate.
Ferrensby’s Parish Meeting is a volunteer-led, community forum. To keep it inclusive, fair, and sustainable, we work to the following principles.
- Decisions are made in open meetings
Key decisions, including appointments to roles, are made at properly convened Parish Meetings, with notice given in advance. Informal discussions or private messages do not replace this process. Adequate notice will be given wherever possible, and urgency will not be used to bypass consultation or agreed process.
- Roles are filled by open nomination, not appointment
Anyone wishing to stand for a role may put themselves forward at the meeting. No individual has the authority to vet, filter, approve, or discourage candidates outside the agreed meeting process.
Where more than one person is nominated for a role, the appointment is decided by a vote of those present at the meeting.
- Chair role and accountability
The Chair of the Parish Meeting is elected annually by those present. The role exists to facilitate discussion and process, not to direct outcomes. The Chair remains accountable to the Parish Meeting and may be replaced through the agreed meeting process if necessary.
- No responsibilities are assigned without consent
Volunteers are never assumed to be available or willing. Responsibilities are discussed openly, and only taken on by agreement.
- Communication is inclusive by design
Residents should recognise that not everyone uses WhatsApp or speaks up in meetings. Important information is shared via multiple channels, and space is made for considered contributions, not just the loudest voices.
Giving a platform only to the most vocal does not create inclusion. It is important to value those who listen, plan, and follow through, as much as those who speak.
- Respectful conduct
Disagreement is part of community life. Speaking over others, making personal accusations, applying pressure, or assigning motives undermines trust and is not acceptable practice.
- Representation of the village
No individual should represent themselves as speaking on behalf of the village unless authorised through the agreed Parish Meeting process.
- Stepping down from roles
Volunteers are free to step down from roles without pressure, persuasion, or expectation of justification beyond what they choose to share.
- Stewardship of place and environment
As a rural village, it is important to recognise our shared responsibility for Ferrensby’s landscape and wildlife, including the village pond, village garden and surrounding habitats. Decisions should reflect care for people, nature, and the long-term health of the village.