The next Scottish local government elections will take place on 6 May 2027. Fife Council will elect 75 councillors.

Being a councillor involves a wide range of responsibilities. While the role can be challenging, it is also highly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to individuals and the communities you represent.

You do not need to belong to a political party to become a councillor in Scotland, approximately 1 in 5 councillors are independent.

The Improvement Service has developed a short course with the Open University for individuals considering standing for election. This course provides an introduction to the role and responsibilities of a councillor and helps candidates prepare for elected office. Open University Short Course

Further information on what is involved can be found here:https://www.localcouncillor.scot/

What support is available to potential candidates with a disability?

Several resources are available to assist disabled candidates standing for local government office which the Returning Officer will actively promote to all prospective candidates. These include:

Local Councillor – an online resource developed by the Improvement Service and COSLA for anyone wishing to be become a councillor in Scotland. This includes links to resources for anyone who is disabled.

Inclusion Scotland – this guidance provides support to disabled people to become more involved in political life, from joining a political party or starting a campaign, through to running for elected office and beyond. The aim is to address the barriers preventing disabled people from fully participating in politics and promoting greater representation of the skills and lived experience disabled people offer.

Access to Elected Office Fund – the Fund pays for practical support to allow disabled people to fully participate in the political process. It covers reasonable adjustments that level the playing field between disabled and non-disabled candidates, but not general campaign costs. Applicants do not need to have been selected yet nor do they need to be members of a party to apply for the Fund. It is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Inclusion Scotland.

The Returning Officer will also ensure that:

• Any electoral events, meetings and training events are accessible.
• Any reasonable adjustments are made to assist candidates in accessing the electoral process, such as making documents available in different formats, where possible.
• Polling stations are accessible.
• Any additional guidance issued by the Electoral Commission or other electoral bodies in the run up to the election is made available to candidates.

In Scotland, any impairment related expenditure for disabled candidates is exempt from campaign spending limits, as long as it declared on campaign spending returns. This includes any amount awarded by the Access to Elected Office Fund.

What support is available if elected?

Senior officers, including the Chief Executive, Corporate Directors, and the Senior Management Team, are available to provide advice and guidance to councillors.

Additional support may also be available from fellow members within your political or other group.

A dedicated Members’ Support Team provides a range of administrative services, including:

• Preparing and issuing correspondence
• Booking rooms for meetings and appointments
• Arranging surgeries, business cards, and posters
• Booking business travel
• Providing advice on administrative matters and appropriate contacts
• Logging ICT issues
• Updating members’ webpage details
• Supporting PVG applications where required

Councillors are also provided with equipment to support their duties, depending on their preferred way of working. While many councillors choose to work from home, dedicated workspace remains available within Council buildings across Fife.

Is there any training available for new councillors?

An intense induction programme is arranged immediately following election. This includes introductory sessions with directors and an overview of Council services. Dates will be provided in advance to allow prospective candidates to plan accordingly.

Councillors who are members of a political or other group may also receive additional training and support through their group.

Some training will be required for all members in matters such as the code of conduct and equalities. Other training will be required if you take on a particular responsibility such as a member of a planning or licensing committee.

A range of optional training is also available to support councillors in developing the skills needed to carry out their role effectively.