Community ºÚÁÏÉçs overview
Community ºÚÁÏÉçs in Edinburgh
- are voluntary organisations who were first established in Scotland following the
- are run by local residents who care about their community and are elected to act on behalf of their local area
- play an important role in grass roots local democracy.
As well as representing the community to the City of Edinburgh ºÚÁÏÉç, Community ºÚÁÏÉçs undertake a wide range of activities and events which enhance the well-being of the areas they represent.
They bring local residents and interest groups together to help make things happen, and many Community ºÚÁÏÉçs promote the individual identities of their community. They advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities such as
- issue community newsletters and bulletins
- conduct local surveys to represent and gain the views of residents and groups
- carry out projects to promote their community
- campaign on local issues
- organise community events such as local galas and festive activities.
All local authorities in Scotland are required by statute to have a scheme for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs.
Scheme for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs
The Scheme for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs is a key document which
- establishes the governance framework under which all Community ºÚÁÏÉçs in Edinburgh must comply with
- forms the constitution of all Community ºÚÁÏÉçs in Edinburgh.
The current Scheme for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs outlines provision for 47 individual Community ºÚÁÏÉçs in Edinburgh. The Scheme for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs was approved on 26 September 2024 and was effective from 28 March 2025.
Each Community ºÚÁÏÉç represents their communities in geographical area’s outlined by specific Community ºÚÁÏÉç boundaries. The current boundaries for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs in Edinburgh are available via the .
Both the Scheme for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs and supporting guidance notes contains key governance requirements for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs including
- the role and responsibilities of Community ºÚÁÏÉçs
- the membership of Community ºÚÁÏÉçs
- equality and diversity requirements for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs
- disqualification of Community ºÚÁÏÉç membership
- Community ºÚÁÏÉç meetings
- Community ºÚÁÏÉçs liaison with the City of Edinburgh ºÚÁÏÉç including reporting responsibilities
- resourcing Community ºÚÁÏÉçs
- Community ºÚÁÏÉçlor Code of Conduct
- procedures for the appointment of Nominated Members of Local Interest groups
- Community ºÚÁÏÉç Model Standing Orders.
Community Empowerment and Engagement
The Community Empowerment and Engagement team has put together a community engagement toolkit, to support Community ºÚÁÏÉçs in building their confidence and skills in carrying out community engagement. The toolkit covers a variety of topics, including
- an introduction to engagement and the national standards
- planning your engagement
- engagement methods
- evaluation and impact
- expressing your views.
If you have further questions about community engagement, please get in touch with us
communityengagement@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Community ºÚÁÏÉç scheme and boundary review
A statutory review of the Scheme for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs and their boundaries concluded on 21 August 2024. Following the conclusion of phase 3 of the statutory consultation of the Scheme for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs and their boundaries the final Scheme and Boundary Review report was and at ºÚÁÏÉç on 26 September 2024 a report was also and on 7 November 2024. The Scheme for Community ºÚÁÏÉçs and boundaries became effective on 28 March 2025.
Community ºÚÁÏÉç further information
Find out more about Community ºÚÁÏÉçs in Edinburgh including how to contact your Community ºÚÁÏÉç directly: