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RENEWING LOCAL DEMOCRACY: THE NEXT STEPS
APPENDIX D OUTLINE ROLE DESCRIPTIONS FOR COUNCILLORS
The outline role descriptions below are based on those prepared by the Kerley Group. The Group referred to 3 types: the councillor; the councillor with significant additional responsibilities; and the leader of the council. The revised versions of the role descriptions below have been adjusted to take account of the distinction which Ministers wish to make between the majority of councillors and those with particularly heavy responsibilities. The descriptions are cumulative: councillors with particularly heavy responsibilities will perform most or all of the functions outlined below.
Councillors will perform most or, in some cases, all of the following roles:
- Represent constituents;
- Represent ward/constituency;
- Take specific decisions eg planning, licensing;
- Hear appeals;
- Make appointments;
- Serve on joint boards;
- Community leadership and involvement;
- Represent the views of the council to the community;
- Policy development and approval;
- Monitor, review and comment on performance;
- Scrutinise effectiveness of the council;
- Develop effective working relationships with councillors, officers and relevant partner organisations;
- Support the creation of an inclusive working environment;
- Involvement in devolved area/local policy and service delivery; and
- Maintain highest standards of conduct.
Councillor with Significant Additional Responsibilities
- Provide leadership in significant area of responsibility (including leader of major opposition group);
- Fulfil Executive or equivalent responsibilities as appropriate to Council management structure (including chair of full council);
- Encourage participation and debate;
- Representative for the council and area;
- Lead council working groups and appropriate committee activities;
- Represent council nationally and provide national direction;
- Develop effective relationships with national bodies such as the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Executive, and the Westminster Parliament;
- Chair major meetings;
- Provide leadership of council;
- Overall responsibility for promoting and overseeing policy development and implementation;
- Primary representative for the council;
- Promote policies and programmes within and outwith the council;
- Commission reports and advice from officers;
- Ensure public confidence in council services;
- Develop relationships with partner organisations;
- Scrutinise performance of senior officials; and
- Liase with other elected members.
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