Support and guidance for community councils
Guidance documents, resources and useful links for community councils in the Highlands are available.
Scheme of Establishment
The Scheme of Establishment sets out how community councils in the Highlands are created, governed and supported, including arrangements for membership, elections and conduct.
Downloadable guidance
We have guidance downloads available to support community councils:
- complaints guidance - provides guidance on handling complaints relating to procedures, decisions or member conduct within a community council
- data protection guidance
- data retention guidance - offers guidance on managing, storing and securely disposing of records and personal data in line with data protection legislation
- digital communication guidance - provides advice on using digital platforms, including social media and email, to communicate safely and effectively with your community while protecting privacy and sensitive information
- equality guidance - provides information on equality and supporting inclusive communities
- guide to the planning system
- liquor licensing guidance - information on processes and how community councils can view or comment on local applications.
- recording of meetings guidance - provides guidance for community councils on recording meetings for minute-taking purposes and responding to requests from the public or press
- useful information
External guidance and support
Scottish Community Councils is a national website providing provides a range of information to support community councils across Scotland:
Highland Social Value Charter - Community Wealth Building provides information, guidance, and support for community councils to engage with renewable energy developments.
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) provides a Bank account comparison table to compare available bank accounts and key features such as fees, signatories and online payment controls.
Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) provides funding page highlights current grant opportunities and provides advice and support to organisations applying for funding - Funding opportunities