Callum Reilly, is also known as “Cllr Callum Reilly”, in his other role, outside of education - for Corby Town Council.

The award is just one category in the prestigious ‘Star Council Awards’, a well-established, annual event which recognises and celebrates the positive impact that Town and Parish Councillors have on their communities.

The winners will be officially announced at a parliamentary reception in the House of Lords on 29th November 2023, but Callum was informed about his successful shortlist on Monday 2^nd October via a Star Council Awards Twitter post and an email from the Town Clerk.

Cllr Callum Reilly, elected at the age of 26, has been shortlisted as a named finalist alongside four other nominees (from local Councils across the country) in the ‘Young Councillor’ category thanks to showcasing “remarkable dedication and engagement during his tenure at Corby Town Council, mainly through his involvement in the Environment and Events Committees.”

Callum started working at Compass Primary in June 2022, but has been a valued member of staff at Brooke Weston Trust since 2017. He was previously at Beanfield Primary and also works as the ‘Attendance Network Lead’ across the Trust Primaries.

Of his employer, Callum said: “Brooke Weston Trust has been fantastic in always supporting me, not only to gain opportunities and knowledge within my working role, but also in championing my community roles.”

When asked how the award nomination came about, Callum explained: “The information was shared at a Town Council meeting a few months ago and my Council colleagues explained that they wanted to nominate me for the award. It was a real surprise and very touching! I never expect to be awarded for anything like this, as I volunteer in this role because I enjoy it and gain great satisfaction from it. We work really well together as a group of Councillors and this shortlist is testimony to the positive impact that all of our contributions make.”

Callum’s fellow Town Councillors put forward a glowing submission to support the nomination, citing some of the achievements he has made in his first term in office and the positive impact he has had on his community.

Some of Callum’s achievements, as noted in the award nomination (by his peers):

• In the Environment Committee, he initiated a school competition inviting local young children to design a logo, leveraging his role as a Safeguarding Officer in a primary school to promote the competition and environmental awareness among under 11’s throughout Corby.
• Within the Events Committee, Cllr Reilly’s impactful contributions included delivering a powerful presentation on Holocaust Memorial Day and chairing Corby’s inaugural Pride working group, pioneering new initiatives for the Council.
• Cllr Reilly’s connection with the community has been exceptional, established through voluntary work during the pandemic, including delivering care packages to the vulnerable and setting up a community choir during lockdown.
• Furthermore, Cllr Reilly’s proactive nature and innovative thinking were evident in his contributions to various Council events. He initiated changes in event formats, promoting engagement, education, and understanding within the community.

Callum’s Council colleagues proudly asserted that “Overall, his achievements showcase a dynamic and engaged approach to local governance, highlighting his capacity to foster community involvement, manage sensitive situations, and enhance the inclusivity and vibrancy of the community he serves.”

Callum concluded: “It is a privilege to be a Town Councillor for the town in which I live and have grown-up in. Corby is a unique place and there is a true sense of community spirit that we should be proud of. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far within my first term in office and feel that as a new community-based Town Council, we have been able to introduce lots of new events and local initiatives for the benefit of the town. It has been great to be a part of this journey so far.”

It is clear that Callum’s proactive approach to engaging the community, particularly our young people, in critical civic matters will benefit the school, the Trust and indeed the whole Northants community.

Well done Callum!