Participation requests

If your community group wants to help improve a council service, you can make a participation request. This lets you work with us to look at how a service is run and suggest changes. You must be part of an eligible community body, and you can apply by email. We will check your request and give you a decision within set timescales.

What is a participation request?

A participation request is a way for community groups to have a stronger voice in local services. It comes from the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.

You can use it to:

• help improve how a council service works
• share ideas for better outcomes in your community
• take part in decisions that affect your area

Before you apply

We recommend that you contact us first. We can:

• help you decide if we are the right organisation to approach
• tell you about existing consultations or groups you could join
• guide you through your options

This may save you time and mean you do not need to make a formal request.

Who can apply

You must apply as part of a community body. This means:

• membership is open to people in the community
• the group works to benefit the local area

How to apply

To make a participation request:

1. complete the participation request form
2. email it to participation.requests@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

What happens next

Once we receive your request, we will:

• check it meets legal requirements
• contact you if anything is missing

If your request is valid, we will:

• send you an acknowledgement
• tell you when to expect a decision

We usually make a decision within 30 working days from the date your request is confirmed as valid. If other public bodies need to be involved, this can take up to 45 working days.

How decisions are made

A senior council officer (Head of Service or above) will make the decision.

We will send you a decision notice and publish it on our website. Any personal details will be removed before publication.

Find out more

You can read more about participation requests and the law:

• Scottish Government guidance
• Scottish Community Development Centre guidance