In May 2022, Shetland goes to the polls to elect our next Council.
You may already be thinking about standing for election – or know someone who you think would be good in the role – but you’re not sure what’s involved.
With that in mind, a handbook has been produced, filled with useful information on, for example, how the Council works and what it does, what the election process is like, and what support and training is available to new councillors.
It also includes interviews with a number of councillors – some who have been in office for a while, others newly-elected for the current council – who talk about their own experiences, and the challenges and rewards of serving the local community.
Convener Malcolm Bell: “You don’t have to be an accomplished orator or know local authority legislation inside out to stand for election – but you do need to be committed to playing your part to improving life in Shetland.
“This handbook is a useful resource for people thinking to stand at next year’s election, and we’re pleased to make this available. My colleagues and I are more than happy to talk with anyone who might be interested in taking on this rewarding role.
“It’s a time of great change - at the global, national and local levels – and now, more than ever, we need the Council to reflect the whole community, in all its diversity. The more candidates who put themselves forward, the better our local democracy.”