Creating a WhatsApp group is simple and can be done in just a few steps.

Here’s how you can do it:

Open WhatsApp
- Launch WhatsApp on your smartphone.
Go to the Chats Tab
- If you’re not already there, tap on the “Chats” tab at the bottom (iPhone) or top (Android) of the screen.
Tap on the “New Chat” Icon
- On iPhone: Tap the pen and paper icon in the top right corner.
- On Android: Tap the green chat bubble icon in the bottom right corner.
Select “New Group”
- You’ll see an option for “New Group”—tap on it.
Add Councillors to the Group
- A list of your contacts will appear.
- Select the councillors you want to add to the group by tapping their names.
- Tap the green checkmark (Android) or “Next” (iPhone) when done.
Set a Group Name & Profile Picture
- Enter a group name (e.g., “Town Council Updates”).
- You can also add a group profile picture by tapping the camera icon.
Create the Group
- Tap the green checkmark or “Create” to finalize the group.

Keep it professional – Use the group for official updates only.
Set group rules – Let members know it’s for important notifications only, not casual chatting.
Mute notifications (optional) – If councillors prefer, they can mute notifications but still check the group when needed.
Use the “Only Admins Can Post” setting – This prevents unnecessary messages and keeps discussions focused.
- To do this, go to Group Settings → Send Messages → Only Admins.

Since the group is for official council updates, it’s important to set clear rules and manage notifications properly. Here’s how you can do that:

To keep the group professional and effective, consider sharing these rules as the first message in the group:

WhatsApp Group Guidelines – [Your Council’s Name]

✅ Purpose: This group is for council-related updates, reminders, and urgent information from the Clerk.

No Chatting: Please avoid discussions here—use email or private messages for questions.

Check Emails: The Clerk will post reminders when important emails have been sent.

Mute if Needed: If you find notifications disruptive, mute the group but check it regularly.

Acknowledgement: Please react (✅) to messages to confirm you’ve seen them.

Only Relevant Links: Share only council-related documents or information.

Urgent Issues: For immediate concerns, please call the Clerk directly.

To keep the group focused, you can limit who can send messages:

Go to Group Settings:
- Open the WhatsApp group.
- Tap the group name at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Group Settings.
Restrict Messages to Admins Only:
- Tap “Send Messages” → Select “Only Admins”
- This ensures only the Clerk (or designated admins) can post updates.
Control Who Can Edit Group Info:
- Tap “Edit Group Info” → Select “Only Admins”
- This prevents members from changing the group name, picture, or description.