Reminder of Neighbourhood Watch guidance for those Standing for Election as Councillors

From Philip Virgo as Development Lead for Neighbourhood Watch in Lambeth

To those standing for election in May or working to help them get elected. 

I am pleased to note that we appear to have Co-ordinators and other Volunteers standing as candidates for all the main parties. In some wards we have rival candidates agreeing to pick up the same action, whichever of them is elected. 

This is to remind you of the guidance issued during the run up to the National and Local elections in 2024 on using the opportunity to shared advantage, without compromising the politically neutral position that must be maintained by the Neighbourhood Watch movement. 

This was written for co-ordinators but also applies more widely.  

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 If you are standing as a candidate:

·        When using a Neighbourhood Watch based social media account or communication method (email, Neighbourhood Watch member platform etc), please do not promote that you are standing for election or for which political party and do not make remarks about others and their parties who are standing for election.

 ·        It is fine to tell local people that you are an active Neighbourhood Watch volunteer or member in your community, in the same way that you would tell them about the other activities, interests or roles. This should only be undertaken through non-Neighbourhood Watch channels

General advice:

·        Please do not politicise Neighbourhood Watch in any way. However, if candidates make an approach, you should feel comfortable in letting them know how your activity as a coordinator has made a difference in your community. You can also let them know what they could do to support the work of Neighbourhood Watch should they be elected.