Some posts within Fife Council are legally defined as politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

These rules ensure that employees in certain roles remain politically impartial, so that elected members and the public can have confidence in the Council’s advice and decision-making.

Which posts are politically restricted?

Only a small number of posts are affected.

By law, the following posts must be politically restricted:

• Chief Executive
• Statutory Chief Officers (Chief Social Worker, Chief Finance Officer)
• Monitoring Officer and Depute Monitoring Officer
• Assistants for political groups
• Chief Officer of a Community Justice Authority
• Non‑Statutory Chief Officers (those reporting directly to the Chief Executive or Council/committees)
• Deputy Chief Officers (those reporting directly to Chief Officers)

Other posts may also be politically restricted if they regularly involve:

• giving advice to the Council, its committees, or joint committees
• speaking on behalf of the Council to the media

Teaching posts are exempt.

Employees will be told if their post is politically restricted. This is also considered when job descriptions are created or reviewed.

What restrictions apply?

Employees in politically restricted posts cannot:

• stand for election as a Member of the UK Parliament, Scottish Parliament, or a local authority (and must resign before publicly declaring an intention to stand for election);
• act as an election agent or canvass on behalf of a political party or candidate;
• hold office in a political party where this involves active management or representation;
• speak publicly or publish material with the intention of influencing support for a political party.

These restrictions apply at all times, including outside of work, and are a condition of appointment. They do not prevent employees from holding personal political views or from private membership of a political party.

Failure to follow these rules may result in disciplinary action.

Fife Council’s List of Politically Restricted Posts

Fife Council is required to maintain a list of politically restricted posts. You can request a copy of this by submitting a Freedom of Information to information.requests@fife.gov.uk