Get Involved

Make the record.

Volunteer Guide

1. Your Role

Attend your parish council meeting.
Record the public session on your phone (video preferred; audio acceptable).
Share the file with The Playback Project so we can make available to the public.

2. Know Your Rights

Under the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014, you are legally allowed to film, audio-record, or photograph public council meetings.
Councils cannot stop you recording public sessions, though they may ask you to avoid blocking views or causing disruption.
Some councils publish guidance and welcome advance notification that you intend to film. We encourage proactive, positive engagement with the council.
Private/exempt agenda items must not be recorded.

3. How to Film

Arrive 10–15 minutes early → sit near the front/side with a clear view of councillors.
We recommend setting up so you can see the Council but not the public gallery (if possible) - this is not required but may be preferred by the general public attendees.
Phone setup:
- Landscape mode (horizontal).
- Battery charged + enough storage.
- If possible, use a tripod or small phone stand for stability.
Audio tip: Councils can be quiet; if you have a phone mic use it. Otherwise, sit close enough to pick up voices.
Keep steady & continuous — one recording per meeting is best.

4. After the Meeting

5. Code of Conduct

Be respectful to councillors, staff, and public.
Do not intervene in proceedings (your role is to record, not disrupt).
If challenged, politely explain:
“The law allows the public to record open council meetings. I’m doing so respectfully.”

Remember our mission is to bring positive change.

We recognise some people may have negative experiences with the council in the past but please channel a positive energy into your actions.

If you try to use the concept of filming to intimidate anyone – public or council – you are not acting in line with our values.

Be the change you want to see.

You keep ownership - You remain the copyright holder of your recording.
You grant us a licence - By submitting, you grant The Playback Project a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to host, display, and share the recording on our website.
You had the right to record - You confirm the recording was made legally, in line with theOpenness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014.
We are not liable - The Playback Project provides a platform for public transparency. We are not responsible for statements made in council meetings or content submitted by participants.
Respectful use - Submissions must not contain defamatory editing, harassment, or unlawful content. We may decline or remove material at our discretion.
Social sharing - Members of the public may share links to hosted recordings. The Playback Project itself will not distribute videos on social media.