4.1  Representing the community's interests

Community Councils have a responsibility to represent local people and can act as a voice for their local area, as well as provide opportunities for people’s voices to be heard. They should communicate the views and concerns of their community to relevant authorities, such as local authorities, health boards and national bodies.

To effectively represent their community, Island Community Councils should be proactive in consulting and engaging with local residents. This involves gathering feedback and opinions on how proposed policies, strategies or services might impact their community.

This might involve working with a relevant authority to support effective engagement with a community around a policy, strategy or change to a service. Community Councils can use their surveys, public meetings, and social media to reach a broad cross-section of the community.

The national community council’s website (www.communitycouncils.scot) contains resources to help Community Councils with community engagement activities.