A collection of essays on local government leadership, presented by the IDeA and the Leadership Centre for Local Government. The collection includes the thoughts of political leaders from the three main parties, research pieces and different slants on the business of leadership in local government.

This report presents the findings of a survey of all councillors elected in May 2007. The main aim of the survey was to develop a comprehensive picture of Scottish councillors, including gender, age, educational level, employment status, household income, and caring responsibilities. In addition, the survey explored wider issues such as why the councillors stood for election, and their training and development experiences.

Covering letter sent out as part of the consultation on a draft continuous professional development framework for elected members in Scottish local government.

In light of the signficant turnover in Elected Members in May 2007 and evidence of widespread variation in approach and capacity of Councils to provide support and development to Elected Members, the Improvement Service commissioned the Institute of Governance and Public Management at Warwick Business School to develop a draft Continuous Professional Development Framework for Elected Members in Scottish Local Government.  The Improvement Service is now consulting with all Scottish Council Leaders, Chief Executive's, Directors with responsibility for Elected Member support and development and Directors with responsibility for Human Resources, on the proposed content and format of the draft.  Expressions of interest in piloting the Framework (once it has been revised to reflect responses to the consultation) are also being sought. Further details are available in the covering letter, the draft framework and the consultation questionnaire.

Questionnaire used as part of the consultation on a continuous professional development framework for elected members in Scottish local government.