FAQs
Is there any training?
As in most new jobs, you will take part in an induction, which covers key things you need to know right from the start. Making sure councillors have the skills and knowledge to fulfil their roles is a key priority for us, and we’re committed to working with all Councillors to understand their personal development needs and interests, and then highlighting helpful learning opportunities and resources. This will include any specialist training, along with sessions like media skills, how to chair a meeting, local government finance and ‘building better business cases’.
The Improvement Service is the national improvement organisation for local government in Scotland. It was set up to help Scottish local authorities provide effective community leadership, strong local governance and deliver high quality, efficient local services. It provides some very useful online information, advice and training for Councillors – take a look at the ‘Useful Links’ section at the end of this handbook.
Will it take up a lot of time?
Unlike a normal job where your contract sets out how many hours you’re expected to work, when it comes to being a councillor, it’s definitely true that ‘you get out exactly what you put in’. The number of hours you need to spend will be determined by:
• The position you assume when you join the Council – whether you take on the role of chair or vice-chair of a committee, the Convener or Leader, or you decide that being an ordinary councillor is fine while you find your feet.
• The number of committees you’re appointed to. Please remember you do have a choice and you don’t have to agree to join every committee you’re asked to.
Information about the appointments and positions available will be provided to you before the first meeting of the new Council, giving you time to discuss these with other councillors.
Core duties include reading meeting papers and taking part in meetings, as well as attending Community Council meetings, and being present at local events.
Many councillors are approached for help in informal settings - everywhere from the supermarket to social events – so you may find it useful to think about how to keep boundaries clear between your private life and your role as a councillor.
Will I be supplied with IT equipment, and is there a place for me to work?
Yes, you’ll be supplied with a phone and laptop which you can use from home, along with training if necessary. The cost of this equipment is paid directly by the Council. There are offices and rooms for councillors at Lystina House, behind the Town Hall - a good space to get together with your colleagues, or have meetings with officers, etc.
Can I be a councillor and have a job?
If you work for the Council, you should read the Special Leave Policy, which gives you information about what the Council may permit during campaigning, but also explains the rules about resigning from your job if you get elected.
Many councillors past and present do have another job (or other commitments) and the key to making this work is flexibility. In your current employment, would it be possible to move hours or shifts around, and are your employer and other colleagues able to adapt to accommodate you?
If you’re an employer reading this and you have a member of staff you think would make a great councillor, could you make some changes to help them fit in both roles?
I have a disability – is there extra support available for me?
You may be entitled to support through ‘Access to Work’, a UK government programme which can help cover the extra costs of being a councillor that relate to your disability or health condition. You can apply for support once elected. That can include a personal assistant, specialist equipment or software, and adaptations to help you carry out meetings, casework and community engagement.
You can find out more here - https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
A separate fund, the Access to Elected Office Fund Scotland, could support you during your campaign – for more information, go here - https://inclusionscotland.org/our-work/
What other support is there to help me?
One of the things we know worries some people thinking about standing for election is the fact that they will suddenly be in the public eye, and may have to speak to the local media. Don’t worry – we have staff who will support you, if needed.
You’ll also get invaluable administrative support from our Members’ Support Team, who are based in the front office of the Town Hall. They can help you with your day-to-day councillor duties by providing reception facilities, clerical support (including looking after your diary), arranging any travel and processing any expense claims. You’ll have access to Council officers who can provide objective expert advice and information, and this can take many forms including briefings on various topics that can help you make decisions.
How much would I get paid?
Your pay is set by Scottish Ministers, not by the Council. As you would expect, certain Councillors receive more because of their position and additional responsibilities
With the exception of the Convener and Leader of the Council, whose remuneration is prescribed in the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations, certain Senior Councillors as set out below receive remuneration in terms of arrangements approved by the Council, subject to the provisions of the Regulations which are normally reviewed annually. From 1 April 2026 the amounts are:
• Councillor – Basic remuneration - £26,839.00
• Leader - £51,715.00 (Depute £31,106.00)
• Convener - £38,787.00 (Depute £31,106.00)
• Chair – main Service Committees - £35,372.00
• Chair – Boards and Regulatory Committees - £31,106.00
Only one payment of any remuneration is allowed, so where a councillor carries out more than one responsibility, the higher value will be paid. You’ll be reimbursed for all travel and subsistence expenses you incur on Council business, and as a councillor, you are also eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
,How long would I be a councillor for?
This council term is five years. So, you will be a councillor from the date your sign your acceptance of office – expected to be the Monday after the election – until the next election in May 2032.
Are there rules on standards and ethics?
Yes – the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, approved by the Scottish Parliament, applies to every councillor in Scotland. According to the Standards Commission for Scotland, “the Councillors’ ‘Code of Conduct’ continues to play a vital role in setting out, openly and clearly, the standards councillors must apply when undertaking their council duties. It is vital that the Code continues to give assurance to the public that their elected members are acting in accordance with high ethical standards.”
You can find more here - https://www.standardscommissionscotland.org.uk/codes-of-conduct/councillors-code-of-conduct
How can I find out more about how meetings are run?
Our committee meetings are open to the public, unless when exempt reports are being discussed. We livestream our meetings, and these are available to watch live, or on playback here - https://shetland.public-i.tv/core/portal/home
We’d suggest you take a look at the online meeting calendar here – https://coins.shetland.gov.uk/calendar.asp and pick a few meetings to watch. If you
choose ones with a full agenda, you’ll get a good idea of how meetings work, who speaks when, and how and when a decision is made.