Crofting Elections 2017: consultation responses analysis

10. Other Comments

Question 14: If you have any other comments on arrangements for the crofting elections, please include these here.

Four respondents addressed the question. A common theme emerged around ensuring that the new Commissioners have the necessary skills and support required for their role which was viewed as challenging and resulted in a steep learning curve for new appointees.

Suggestions were made that prior to elections the Scottish Government should outline clearly to prospective candidates and the electorate exactly what is involved in being a Commissioner. More publicity was called for using plain English.

One individual respondent recommended introducing an interview process in addition to holding elections, so that potential candidates can be "sifted" as happens for example, when constituencies vet potential MPs.

The Scottish Crofting Federation proposed staggered elections with overlapping appointments, as in the Third Sector with the appointment of Trustees.

Ongoing training and support for Commissioners was called for by one individual with a recommendation that civil servants can advise and, "where necessary overrule the commissioners".

Another individual argued for the Scottish Government appointments of Commissioners to be timed for after the elected Commissioners are in post in order for the additional postings to fill emerging skill gaps.