Councillor Role and Duties

Being a local Councillor is a position of trust that can be a rewarding and enriching experience. It is no easy task being a Councillor. Society needs to have people, whether at a national or local level who are able, willing and prepared to take decisions on its behalf about matters which affect the lives of citizens and who are prepared to be accountable for these. Democratic election gives local Councillors, like Members of Parliament, a special status in public life which brings with it opportunities to contribute to the well being of society, and in doing so, responsibilities to act fairly and within the law.

A Guide to the Role and Duties of an Aberdeenshire Councillor

The purpose of this Guide is to give advice to:

• Electors and Councillors about what a councillor is responsible for
• Potential councillors about what is involved in being a Councillor and the skills, experiences and personal qualities that are needed to fulfil that role.

It also provides a useful self-assessment checklist for existing councillors.

Download

• A Guide to the Role and Duties of an Aberdeenshire Councillor (pdf 1.14 mb)

Procedure for Investigation of Complaints about the Conduct of Councillors

When an individual wishes to make a complaint about the conduct of a Councillor, there are two possible ways for this to be done. The complaint can be investigated either internally by the Council or externally by the Standards Commission for Scotland.

To have the complaint investigated internally by the Council, individuals should put their complaint in writing to the Chief Executive, who will investigate the complaint following the Council’s agreed procedure. This can involve the matter being considered by the Conduct Committee.

• Conduct Committee Procedure (pdf 15kb)

To have the complaint investigated externally by the Standards Commission for Scotland, individuals should put their complaint in writing to the Chief Investigating Officer. Full details of the procedure to be followed can be found on the Standards Commission website, a link to the website can be found on the right of this page.