[1] Formed in 1975, COSLA exists to promote and protect the interests of the country's councils by providing a forum for discussion of matters of common concern.

It is the successor to the Convention of Royal Burghs,[1] an organisation which dated back to the 12th century, but was dissolved after the local government changes of the 1970s.

A network of special interest groups take forward specific policy and work and focus on key issues in detail.

The team also works very closely with professional advisers, such as local authority directors of finance and chief executives, to identify potential and current pressures and to provide a range of advice, options and recommendations to elected members on resource issues.

The team works closely with education, economic development, human resource and social work professionals in ADES (Association of Directors of Education), SLAED (Scottish Local Authority Economic Development network), SPDS (Society of Personnel Directors Scotland) and SWS (Social Work Scotland) to develop policy; to respond to and influence legislation and Scottish Government initiatives, and to provide support to elected members on the Education, Children and Young People Thematic Board.

The Scottish Government funding covers a wider range of priorities relating to migration in all its forms, as well as specific work around asylum seekers and refugees, and the Gypsy/Traveller community.

The team covers a wide range of policy and council services including inclusive economic growth, climate change, planning, the crown estate, transport and infrastructure.

The COSLA Employers’ Organisation manages the delivery of strategic workforce priorities for Scottish local government, and provides national support services on human resource issues.

The team provides strategic development, advice and guidance on workforce issues, undertakes pay bargaining and reward for all employee groups in the local government family.

Operationally, TSS has a duty to coordinate and enforce cross boundary and national casework as well as undertake the specialist functions of tackling illegal money lending and ecrime.

COSLA's European work aims to ensure that the interests and rights of Scottish local government are safeguarded and advanced by EU policy and legislation.