Welcome to this short course, which has been developed to support anyone interested in or thinking about standing for election to be a councillor in Scotland.
The course will help you to better understand the roles and responsibilities of a councillor, and to be better prepared for elected office. It includes insights and advice from current and former councillors, as well as council officers, to help you decide whether to stand and to prepare you for the role if elected.
Before you begin this course you might want to visit the Local Councillor website. This will provide you with information that help you understand how to stand for election to a council, including the criteria and disqualifications.
This course has been developed by the Improvement Service (IS), the improvement organisation for local government in Scotland, and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
Transcript
Councillor Shona Morrison:
Hello and welcome to this course on preparing for elected office in Scottish local government. Whether you have already decided to stand for election or are simply interested in learning more about what being a councillor involves, we’re delighted you’re here. Local democracy depends on people like you taking an interest in how our communities are shaped, supported and enabled to live their lives to the fullest.
Being a councillor is a rewarding form of public service. It offers the chance to contribute to meaningful change, support others and help ensure local voices are heard. But it also comes with significant responsibilities, and it’s important that anyone thinking about standing understands both the opportunities and the demands of the role.
Councillor Steven Heddle:
Scotland’s councils are stronger and more effective when they reflect the diversity of the people who live here. We want to encourage people from all backgrounds, ages and life experiences to consider putting themselves forward. A wide range of perspectives helps councils make better decisions and builds trust in local democracy.
Councillor Shona Morrison:
This course has been designed to give you a clear and honest overview of what being a councillor involves. You will learn about what councils do, how they take decisions, how they are financed, and their relationship with the Scottish and UK Governments. You will learn about the roles and responsibilities of councillors, including representing citizens, taking decisions at council meetings, working with council officers and working with other public sector partners.
Councillor Steven Heddle:
You will find out about the amount of time councillors spend on the role, as well as the factors which influence how much time you may need to spend on councillor duties. The course will also introduce you to the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, which has a vital role in setting out the standards councillors must apply when undertaking their council duties.
Councillor Shona Morrison:
Understanding all of this will help you make an informed choice about whether standing for election is right for you – and, if you do stand, it will help you begin your role with confidence.
Councillor Steven Heddle:
We hope you find this course useful, thought‑provoking and encouraging. Thank you for your interest in local democracy and in the work councillors do every day across Scotland.
Councillor Shona Morrison:
Whether you’re exploring the role for the first time or building on experience you already have, we’re pleased to have you with us. We wish you the very best as you consider whether standing for election to be a councillor is the right step for you.
