William Eichler 11 March 2019

Scottish councils ‘lack diversity’, report reveals

Women and ethnic minorities are underrepresented at the local level in Scotland and many face harassment, an equalities study has revealed.

A report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission has revealed that only 29% of all councillors are women, compared to 51% of Scotland’s population.

Released on International Women’s Day, the report also found that 48% of women had experienced unwanted behaviour that they had found to be humiliating, offensive or intimidating.

The evidence also showed underrepresentation among communities with other protected characteristics, such as race and age.

‘While we have seen some progress in diversity among elected politicians, with representation among women, disabled people, ethnic minorities and young people, diversity is still poor compared to the general population,’ said Lesley Sawers, the EHRC Scotland commissioner.

‘It’s really worrying that almost half of all women surveyed say they have experienced harassment and a smaller number of ethnic minority candidates have experienced racial harassment.’

The study found that data about levels of representation in membership, approved lists of candidates, candidates for selection, and candidates for election is not routinely collected by political parties.

This makes it impossible to know whether other protected characteristic groups, such as disability, are underrepresented, the EHRC report said.

‘The diversity of elected local politicians is clearly important, with key decisions undertaken at local government level,’ said Dr Sawers.

‘Local politicians also form a crucial part of the pool of potential candidates for selection at other levels of government, including Holyrood and Westminster.

‘Without improving diversity among elected officials at the local level, it may be more difficult to make progress across elected politics.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Regeneration Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£65,098 - £71,353
The Major Projects and Regeneration Team, part of our Place, Economy and Environment directorate, is at the heart of delivering this vision. Working with government, private sector partners and our local communities, we are driving forward projects funded One Angel Square 4 Angel Street Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Director of Streetscene

Fareham Borough Council
£92,027 - £105,394 (Director Grade) Pay award pending
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Shared Lives Social Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£37,035 - £43,693
About the Role Your role will be working with Shared Lives Carers and people who use the service to ensure that there is a good outcome for everyone. Assessing people for their suitability to become carers, presenting assessment reports to the Shared Live Abingdon with some agile working/working from home
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Lawyer Employment

Durham County Council
£45,718 to £49,764 p.a. (Grade 13) pay award pending
An opportunity for an Employment Lawyer has become available to work at Durham County Council as part of the Legal and Democratic Services Team. Durh Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026  20 hours per week Mon – Fri, 10am -2pm, Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner