Transparency
It can be difficult to find information about becoming a candidate. Although all parties have formal application processes, members tell us that selection can sometimes still be opaque. Informal approaches can exclude those who are not already highly engaged and mean parties may miss out on attracting diverse talent and achieving equal representation. Local and national parties need to be proactively doing outreach activities to recruit potential candidates from a diverse range of lived experiences and backgrounds. For example:
â— Have a statement on your website which states you value a diverse range of lived experiences;
â— A stall at party conferences and events with information about the process of becoming a candidate. This should be staffed with people who can answer questions and signpost to further support and information;
â— Information sessions run by people who have gone through the process themselves;
â— A page on national and local party websites with information about the process and how and when to apply;
â— Role descriptions for MSPs, MPs and Councillors which include information about pay; average hours spent on formal duties; expectations around participation in the life of their party once elected - for instance attending meetings and involvement in events.
â— Widely advertising dates and deadlines for all aspects of the assessment and selection process.
People from backgrounds currently underrepresented in politics also tell us that they feel unsupported through the process of applying to be a candidate. Parties need to utilise, empower and resource the different sections or networks in the party which already exist - for example women’s forums or disabled people’s networks - in order to recruit and support potential candidates effectively. It is also crucial to remember that supporting candidates from underrepresented groups is not just the job of these specific members networks, but something the whole party must prioritise.
To fulfil this responsibility the party might consider: :
â— Running specific information sessions for people from these protected groups.
â— Providing funding for ethnic minority, LGBTI, women and disabled peoples groups within the party to:
o support current potential candidates;
o support and mentor potential candidates for future elections
â— Having a buddy system or peer support from those who have already gone through the process.
â— Working directly with organisations such as Inclusion Scotland and Elect Her who offer peer-support, mentoring and access to resources for underrepresented groups.
Go back to the Candidate Assessment homepage