Developing potential candidates
Deciding to stand for election is a big decision, which requires confidence and knowledge about how the electoral system works. Most people don’t suddenly decide they want to be a candidate, especially people who have been structurally disadvantaged in politics including: disabled people, minority ethnic groups, LGBTI people and women. To increase the number of candidates from underrepresented groups you will need to take positive actions to develop members from underrepresented groups into potential candidates.
There are positive examples of mentoring, training, and development programmes which already exist in political parties in Scotland. However, it is essential that these programmes are funded and have the support of either staff or the local party committee.
Some actions you can take are:
- A funded training and development programme for people from underrepresented groups. Don’t expect people to run this themselves
- Holding skills sharing sessions for members to develop new skills
- Funded peer support programmes and networks for people from underrepresented groups (for more information about peer support see the Party Culture section of the tool)
- Plan ahead and start encouraging people to stand a while before the election. People need time to consider the significant impact that becoming a candidate can have on their lives, particularly the implications for things like work and caring responsibilities.