Information on Democratic services

Orkney Islands Council, via Democratic Services, employs part-time clerks to provide all administrative services in each of the 20 areas. This office provides a communication link between the Council and Community Councils and staff regularly attend Community Council meetings, providing advice and assistance to Community Councils.

The work of Democratic Services combines support to the Elected Members of Orkney Islands Council in addition to providing support to the Community Councils. Democratic Services distribute Orkney Islands Council’s annual grants to Community Councils and administrates the Community Council Grant Scheme and other schemes as approved by the Council. Community Council minutes are also checked to ensure that they comply to a reasonable standard before being released to the press and public.

In accordance with the Scheme of Orkney Community Councils 2022, all correspondence between Council departments and the Community Councils must be processed by the Clerk and forwarded to Democratic Services. Staff will render assistance, wherever possible, in matters where the input of Community Councils and local communities is of assistance in determining Council decisions and in the development of Council policies.

Democratic Services also assist with the supervision of projects undertaken by Community Councils and ensure that public funds entrusted to the Community Councils are administered in compliance with Orkney Islands Council’s financial regulations.

Contact Details

Democratic Services, Chief Executive’s Service, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NY.

Telephone: 01856873535 extension 2780.

Email:- Democratic.Services@orkney.gov.uk or for Community Council matters communitycouncils@orkney.gov.uk