Participation requests come into effect

Part 3 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act, on participation requests, came into force on the 1st April 2017. Community organisations will now be able to make participation requests to public service authorities.

Participation requests provide a mechanism for communities to have a more proactive role in having their voices heard in how services are planned and delivered.

By making a participation request, community groups can start a dialogue with a public service provider about issues that are important to them, which should help to improve outcomes.

The statutory guidance for participation requests is available here, which should support community organisations to get started. Further support material to be developed shortly.

Our webpage on the Act is also worth reading for more general information on the Act and links to further reading.