cheshire west and chester council … west and chester council constitution section 3 the role of...

CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNCIL CONSTITUTION

SECTION 3

THE ROLE OF COUNCILLORS

1 Membership of the Council The Membership of the Council comprises 75 members, who are

elected by the voters in the Cheshire West and Chester area, 2. Elections and Term of Office Elections took place on 5th May 2011. The next election for all seats

will take place in May 2015. The term of office from that time will be 4 years.

3. Key roles.

All Councillors will:

(i) collectively be the ultimate policy-makers and carry out a number of strategic and corporate functions;

(ii) represent their communities and bring their views into the

Council’s decision-making process; (iii) deal with individual casework and act as an advocate for

constituents in resolving particular concerns or grievances; (iv) balance different interests identified within the ward and

represent the ward as a whole; (v) be involved in decision-making; (vi) be available to represent the Council on other bodies; and (vii) maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethics.

4. Councillors are democratically accountable to residents of their ward.

The overriding duty of Councillors is to the whole community, but they have a special duty to their constituents, even those who did not vote for them.

5. Only registered voters of the area of the Borough or those living or

working within that area will be eligible to hold the office of a Councillor.

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6. Councillors have agreed to follow a code of conduct to ensure high standards in the way they undertake their duties. The Standards Committee provides training and advice on the Code of Conduct and Councils have agreed to follow the Protocol on Member/Officer Relations.

7. Rights and Duties

7.1 Councillors will have such rights of access to such documents, information, land and buildings of the Council as are necessary for the proper discharge of their functions and in accordance with the law.

7.2 Councillors will not make public, information which is confidential

or exempt without the consent of the Council, or divulge information given in confidence to anyone other than a Councillor or officer entitled to know it.

7.3 For these purposes, “confidential” and “exempt” information are

defined in the Access to Information Rules in the Citizens’ Rights section of this Constitution (Section 5).

8. Allowances

Councillors will be entitled to receive allowances in accordance with the Members’ Allowances Scheme set out in this Constitution, or from time to time amended and approved by Council.

9. Attached at Appendix A are Member role descriptions and person

specifications approved by Council.

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APPENDIX A INDEX Elected Member Role Description Elected Member Person Specification Leader (and Deputy) Role Description Leader Person Specification Leader of the Opposition and Political Group Leaders Role Description Leader of the Opposition and Political Group Leaders Person Specification Executive Member (Portfolio Holder) Role Description Executive Member (Portfolio Holder) Person Specification Assistant Executive Member (Portfolio Holder) Role Description Assistant Executive Member (Portfolio Holder) Person Specification Scrutiny Chair Role Description Scrutiny Chair Person Specification Scrutiny Member Role Description Scrutiny Member Person Specification Chair of a Regulatory Committee Role Description Chair of a Regulatory Committee Person Specification Member of a Regulatory Committee Role Description Member of a Regulatory Committee Person Specification Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Council Role Description Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Council Person Specification

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ELECTED MEMBER ROLE DESCRIPTION Accountabilities

• To full Council

• To the electorate of their ward and to the residents of Cheshire West and Chester

Role Purpose and Activity Representing and supporting communities

• To represent ward interests by providing a voice for all sectors of the community

• To be an advocate for the Council in the ward and communities they serve

• To hold ward surgeries on a regular basis where appropriate

• To be a visible and recognisable presence in the community

• To be a channel of communication to the community on council strategies, policies, services and procedures

• To represent individual constituents and local organisations, undertaking casework on their behalf and serving all fairly and equally

• To interface with the community at Local Area Forums raising local concerns within the council structures

• To liaise with executive members, other council members, council officers and partner organisations to ensure that the needs of the local communities are identified, understood and supported

• To promote the principles of equality, tolerance and local democracy in local communities

• To encourage community participation in the Council’s decision-making processes by helping people understand how they work

• To support local partnership organisations

• To balance different interests within the ward fairly and constructively

• Making decisions and overseeing council performance

• To participate in Full Council meetings, reaching and making informed and balanced decisions, and overseeing performance

• To participate in informed and balanced decision making on committees and task groups to which they might be appointed, (including attending site visits or undertaking other statutory visits and tasks as may be required)

• To contribute to the policy making process through a role on Scrutiny Performance/Policy Development Committees/ Board/Panels and thereby to help shape the development and review of policy and strategy

• To undertake quasi-judicial roles, e.g. licensing and follow special procedural rules

• To provide a check on the activities of the Executive through call-in powers

• To adhere to the principles of democracy and collective responsibility in decision making

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• To promote and ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of council and other public services

Representing the Council (subject to appointment)

• To represent the Council on local outside bodies as an appointee of the Council and provide two way communications between the organisations and the Council

• To represent the Council on local partnership bodies, promoting common interest and co-operation for mutual gain

• To represent and be an advocate for the Council on national bodies and at national events

Internal governance, ethical standards and relationships

• To promote and support good governance of the Council and its affairs

• To provide community leadership and promote active citizenship

• To promote and support open and transparent government

• To support, and adhere to respectful, appropriate and effective relationships with employees of the Council

• To adhere to the Member’s Code of Conduct, Member/Officer Protocol and the highest standards of behaviour in public office

Personal and role development

• To take an active interest in identifying personal development needs for their role as a Member

• To participate in opportunities for development provided for members by the authority

• To make effective use of modern electronic communication including email, the internet and intranet, to aid efficient communication with officers, other members and the community

• Where there is sufficient experience, to provide support and encouragement to new Councillors

Values

• To be committed to the values of the Council and the following values in public office:

Openness and transparency Honesty and integrity Tolerance and respect Equality and fairness Appreciation of cultural difference Sustainability

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ELECTED MEMBER PERSON SPECIFICATION Representing and supporting communities

• Good advocacy skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Integrity and the ability to set aside own views and act impartially

• The ability to present relevant and well reasoned arguments

• Good communication skills

• An understanding of Community Leadership and empowerment and working in partnership

Making decisions and overseeing council performance

• Knowledge and understanding of meetings law, rules and conventions

• An understanding of delegated powers

• The ability to be able to give reasons for decisions

• An understanding of strategic, policy and service contexts for decisions

• The ability to challenge ideas and contribute positively to policy development

• The ability to pay particular attention to the need to avoid predetermination and bias when participating in the decision-making of regulatory committees

Representing the Council (subject to appointment)

• Good public speaking skills

• Good presentation skills

• The ability to persuade others and act with integrity Internal governance, ethical standards and relationships

• An understanding of the roles of officers, members and different agencies

• Respect for, and desire to work with, different groups and individuals

• Have knowledge and understanding of and commitment to the Code of Conduct and Member/Officer Protocol

• A knowledge and commitment to the values of the Council Personal and role development

• An ability to assess personal and role development needs

• Desire and skills to participate in development

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LEADER (AND DEPUTY) ROLE DESCRIPTION Accountabilities

• To full Council

• To the public and electorate

• To nominating group Role Purpose and Activity

• Provide political leadership to the Council

• To be a political figurehead for the Council; to be the principal political spokesperson for the Council.

• To provide leadership in building a political consensus around Council policies

• To form a vision for the Council and community

• To provide strong, clear leadership in the co-ordination of policies, strategies and service delivery

Appoint the Executive Portfolios

• Designate the appropriate portfolios

• Allocate Executive members to roles with regard to their abilities. Representing and acting as ambassador for the Authority

• Represent the Authority to a high standard. Provide a strong, competent and eloquent figure to represent the Authority both within the Borough and at external bodies

• Provide leadership and support local partnerships and organisations.

• Represent the Authority in regional and national bodies as appropriate. Provide leadership within the portfolio

• Fulfill the role of a portfolio holder, having regard to the role purpose and activities, and role specification of an executive member

• Manage and lead the work of the Executive and chair meetings

• Ensure the effective running of the Executive by managing the forward work programme and ensuring its continuing development.

• Ensure the work of the Executive meets national policy objectives.

• Advise and mentor other Executive members in their work.

• To chair and give direction to Executive briefing sessions to ensure co-ordination of agendas and consistency of recommendations in line with Council policy

Participate in the collective decision making of the Executive

• To work closely with other Executive members and Policy Development Board Chairs to ensure the development of effective

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council policies and the budgetary framework for the Council, and the delivery of high quality services to local people.

• To accept collective responsibility and support decisions made by the Executive (collectively and individually where delegated powers are given to individual portfolio holders) once they have been made.

• To work with officers to lead the organisation

• Liaise with the Chief Executive, and other appropriate officers, on a regular basis

• Work with employees of the Council in relation to the strategic vision and direction of the Council, the management roles of officers and the development of policy issues.

Leading partnerships and community leadership

• To give leadership to local strategic partnerships and local partners in the pursuit of common aims and priorities

• To engage with partners , acting as virtual public sector champion

• To negotiate and broker in cases of differing priorities and disagreement

• To act as a leader of the local community by showing vision and foresight

• To encourage community empowerment and participation in local democracy






• To adhere to the Member’s Code of Conduct, Member/Officer Protocol and the highest standards of behaviour in public office

• To promote high standards of conduct amongst all members

• To fulfill the role of mediator and to seek to resolve difficulties when issues of difference arise between members of their political ground and members and officers, members of the public or other members

Values

• To be committed to and demonstrate the following values in public office:

Openness and transparency Honesty and integrity Tolerance and respect Equality and fairness Appreciation of cultural difference Sustainability Inclusive leadership Consensus building

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DEPUTY LEADER

• To fulfil the duties of the Leader in his or her absence

• To assist the Leader in specific duties as required

• To comply with all the above values, behaviours and act as a role model

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LEADER (AND DEPUTY) PERSON SPECIFICATION Provide political leadership to the Council

• Knowledge of community strengths, areas of improvement and key issues.

• An understanding of the relationship between national and local politics

• Have a good strategic awareness of issues facing the Council

• Understanding and awareness of and ability to promote the Council’s strategy, policies and operations

Appoint the Portfolio Holders

• An ability to recognise talent amongst members

• An ability to negotiate the most advantageous appointments within and across political groups

• To appraise, guide and mentor senior members

• Representing and acting as ambassador for the Authority

• High level communication skills to communicate to the media, local community and wider audience.

• Good public speaking skills Provide leadership within the portfolio

• Manage and lead the work of the Executive and chair meetings of the Executive

• Understanding of the Executive procedure rules

• Skills to Chair meetings, including encouraging participation from all members and members of the public in accordance with the constitution

• A knowledge and understanding of national policy objectives

• An overview of the work being carried out by Executive members. Participate in the collective decision making of the Executive

• The ability to constructively challenge decisions and suggest alternatives

• The ability and desire to seek consensus and compromise when in the best interests of the Council and the whole electorate of Cheshire West ad Chester

To work with officers to lead the organisation

• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Executive and other officers


• Adaptive leadership skills

• Negotiation and brokerage skills

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• Creative and lateral thinking skills; the ability to see ahead and be predictive

• Interpersonal skills

• Understanding of team and partnership working Internal governance, ethical standards and relationships




• A knowledge and commitment to the values of the Council

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LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION AND POLITICAL GROUP LEADERS’ ROLE DESCRIPTION (only so far as they relate to their role in the Council, rather than in their group) Accountabilities

• To full Council

• To nominating group Role Purpose and Activity

• To provide a figurehead and contact point

• To be a political figurehead for their group

• To be a spokesperson for their group

• To take an active and positive role in decision-making where the Constitution requires it


• To fulfill the role of mediator and to seek to resolve difficulties when issues of difference arise between members of their political group and officers, members of the public or other members



• To support and adhere to respectful appropriate and effective relationships with employees of the Council

• To adhere to the Members Code of Conduct, Member/Officer Protocols and the highest standards of behaviour in public office

• To promote high standards of conduct amongst all members Values

• To be committed to and demonstrate the following values in public office:


DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION OR DEPUTY POLITICAL GROUP LEADER

• To fulfil the duties of the Leader of the Opposition/Political Group Leader in his or her absence

• To assist the Leader of the Opposition/Political Group Leader in specific duties as required

• To comply with all the above values and behaviours and act as a role model

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LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION AND POLITICAL GROUP LEADERS’ PERSON SPECIFICATION To work with Officers

• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Executive and other officers

To take part in the decision-making as required by the Constitution

• The ability and desire to seek consensus and to compromise when in the best interests of the Council and the whole electorate of Cheshire West and Chester


• Internal Governance, ethical standards and relationships

• Understanding of the roles of officers, members and different agencies


• Have knowledge and understanding of and commitment to the Code of Conduct and Member/Officer Protocols

• Knowledge of and commitment to the values of the Council

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EXECUTIVE MEMBER (PORTFOLIO HOLDER) ROLE DESCRIPTION Accountabilities

• To the Leader

• To the Executive (through collective responsibility)

• To Full Council

• To service users and the community through exercise of any executive powers delegated to individual portfolio holders

Role Purpose and Activities Portfolio leadership

• To give political direction to officers working within the portfolio

• To gain the respect of officers within the portfolio; provide support to officers in the implementation of portfolio programmes

• To provide leadership in the portfolio

• To liaise with the appropriate scrutiny chair and receive scrutiny reports as required

• To be accountable for choices and performance in the portfolio

• To have an overview of the performance management, efficiency and effectiveness of the portfolio

• To make executive decisions within the Portfolio Contribute to the setting of strategic agenda and work programme for the portfolio

• To work with officers and Policy Development Boards to formulate policy documents both strategic and statutory. Ensure that the political will of the majority is carried to and through the Executive.

• To provide assistance in working up and carrying through a strategic work programme both political and statutory. Carry out consultations with stakeholders as required. Make sure that the portfolio’s forward work programme is kept up to date and accurate.

Provide representation for the portfolio

• To provide a strong, competent and persuasive figure to represent the portfolio.

• Be a figurehead in meetings with stakeholders. Reporting and accounting

• To report as appropriate to the Leader, Full Council, Executive, appropriate chair of scrutiny, regulatory bodies and the media.

• To be the principal political spokesperson for the portfolio.

• To appear before scrutiny committees in respect of matters within the portfolio.

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Take an active part in Executive meetings and decision making

• To show an interest in and support for the portfolios of others

• To recognise and contribute to issues which cut across portfolios or are issues of collective responsibility

• To present reports to the Executive and respond to questions Leading partnerships and community leadership

• To give leadership to local strategic partnerships and local partners in the pursuit of common aims and priorities

• To negotiate and broker in cases of differing priorities and disagreement

• To act as a leader of the local community by showing vision and foresight

• To encourage community empowerment and participation Internal governance, ethical standards and relationships





• To adhere to the Members’ Code of Conduct, Member/Officer Protocol and the highest standards of behaviour in public office

Values


Openness and transparency Honesty and integrity Tolerance and respect Equality and fairness Appreciation of cultural difference Sustainability Inclusive leadership

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EXECUTIVE MEMBER (PORTFOLIO HOLDER) PERSON SPECIFICATION Portfolio leadership

• Understanding of the Council’s strategy, policies and operations

• Leadership skills Contribute to the setting of strategic agenda and work programme for

the portfolio

• The ability to present to others

• The ability to exercise strategic awareness and judgement

• Knowledge of relevant issues and who to involve in decision making

• The ability to persuade others

• Knowledge of Council and national objectives Provide representation for the Portfolio

• Public speaking skills

• Good presentation skills Report as appropriate

• High level communication skills Take an active part in Executive meetings and decisions


• The knowledge, confidence and ability to contribute to discussion and resolution of cross cutting and collective issues


• Adaptive leadership skills

• Negotiation and brokerage skills

• Creative and lateral thinking skills; the ability to see ahead and be predictive




• Have knowledge and understanding of the Code of Conduct and Member/Officer Protocol


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ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE MEMBER ROLE DESCRIPTION Accountabilities

• To the Leader

• To the Executive and Executive Members

• To members of any Policy Development Board or Working Group

• To Full Council Role Purpose and Activities Assisting Executive Members with their portfolio responsibilities

To support individual Executive Members by:-

• Chairing any Policy Development Board or other Working Groups of members that may be set up from time to time

• in consultation with the Executive Members, giving political direction to officers working within the portfolio

• gaining the respect of officers within the portfolio; providing support to officers in the implementation of portfolio programmes

• assisting with the provision of leadership in the portfolio

• at the request of the Executive Member, liaising with the appropriate scrutiny chair and receiving scrutiny reports as required

• having an overview of the performance management, efficiency and effectiveness of the portfolio

Contribute to the setting of strategic agenda and work programme for the portfolio

• To work with the executive members, officers and Policy Development Boards to formulate policy documents both strategic and statutory. Ensure that the political will of the majority is carried to and through the Executive.

• To provide assistance to Executive members in working up and carrying through a strategic work programme both political and statutory. Carry out consultations with stakeholders as required on behalf of Executive members. In consultation with the executive members to make sure in that the portfolio’s forward work programme is kept up to date and accurate.

Reporting and accounting

• To report as appropriate to the Executive Member, Leader, Full Council, Executive, appropriate chair of scrutiny, regulatory bodies and the media.

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Values


Openness and transparency Honesty and integrity Tolerance and respect Equality and fairness Appreciation of cultural difference Sustainability Inclusive leadership

Council Minute No. 26(1), (27 May 2010) refers

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ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE MEMBER PERSON SPECIFICATION Assistant Portfolio leadership

• Understanding of the Council’s strategy, policies and operations

• Leadership skills Helping the Executive Member to contribute to the setting of strategic agenda and work programme for the portfolio

• The ability to present to others

• The ability to exercise strategic awareness and judgement

• Knowledge of relevant issues and who to involve in decision making

• The ability to persuade others

• Knowledge of Council and national objectives Provide representation for the Portfolio

• Public speaking skills

• Good presentation skills Report as appropriate

• High level communication skills Chairing Policy Development Boards and/or other Working Groups - Effective meeting management

• Understanding and application of meeting protocols, Code of Conduct, standing orders and other constitutional requirements

• Ability to chair meetings effectively, managing the agenda and progressing business

• Ability to facilitate effective discussions

• Ability to listen and question effectively


• The knowledge, confidence and ability to contribute to discussion and resolution of cross cutting and collective issues




• Have knowledge and understanding of the Code of Conduct and Member/Officer Protocol


Council Minute No. 26(1), (27 May 2010) refers

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SCRUTINY CHAIR ROLE DESCRIPTION Accountabilities

• To full Council

• To the public

• To external Regulatory Bodies Role purpose & activity Provide leadership and direction

• To provide confident and effective management of the member team

• To promote the role of Scrutiny within and outside the council, liaising effectively both internally within the Council and externally with the Council’s partners

• To develop a balanced work programme of the committee which includes pre decision scrutiny, policy development and review, investigative scrutiny, and performance monitoring

• To ensure the programme takes account of relevant factors such as: the work programmes of the Executive and other committees, strategic priorities and risks, and relevant community issues

• To demonstrate an objective and evidence based approach to scrutiny

• To evaluate the impact and added value of scrutiny activity and identify areas for improvement

• To liaise with Policy Development Boards in respect of the development and review of policy

Manage the work programme

• To ensure that the work programme is delivered

• To report on progress against the work programme to Council, and others as appropriate

• To liaise with officers, other members and community representatives to resource and deliver the work programme

Hold the Executive to account

• To evaluate the validity of Executive decisions and challenge inappropriate decisions through call in

Effective meeting management

• To approve agendas containing clear objectives and outcomes for the meeting

• To manage the progress of business at meetings, ensuring that meeting objectives are met, and the Code of Conduct, standing orders and other constitutional requirements are adhered to

• To ensure that the necessary preparation is done beforehand

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• To ensure that all participants have an opportunity to make an appropriate contribution

Community leadership

• To act as a focus for liaison between the council, community and external bodies in relation to the scrutiny function

• To build understanding and ownership of the scrutiny function within the community

• To identify relevant community based issues for scrutiny

• To involve fully external stakeholders for example, service users expert witnesses and partners, in scrutiny activity

Involvement and development of scrutiny committee members

• To encourage high performance from all scrutiny committee members in both committee and task and finish groups

• To assess individual and collective performance within the committee and facilitate appropriate development

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SCRUTINY CHAIRMAN PERSON SPECIFICATION Provide leadership and direction

• Understanding of Council’s role and functions

• Understanding of role of scrutiny, terms of reference for the committee, role of chair, and other aspects of the democratic arrangements

• Understanding of member support functions

• Understanding of council priorities and risks

• Ability to develop work programmes

• Understanding of community issues

• Objectivity

• Negotiation and consensus building

• Ability to build constructive and ‘critical friend’ relationships with the Executive

Manage the work programme

• Ability to manage projects and resources

• Ability to manage people

• Ability to prioritise

• Ability to report progress to different groups in different styles Holding the Executive to account

• Understanding of arrangements for call - in Effective meeting management


• Ability to chair meetings effectively, managing the agenda and progressing business

• Ability to facilitate effective discussions

• Ability to listen and question effectively Community leadership

• An understanding of the community leadership role

• Knowledge of local issues and expectations

• Ability to work effectively with all members of the community and build understanding and ownership of scrutiny

• Knowledge of the individuals and organisations in the community especially those traditionally excluded

Involvement and development of committee members

• Understanding of role and skills of the scrutiny committee and its individuals

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• Ability to support members and the committee in assessing their performance

• Ability to identify any training and development needs and procuring appropriate learning and development

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SCRUTINY MEMBER ROLE DESCRIPTION Accountabilities

• To the Chair of the appropriate scrutiny committee

• To full Council

• To the public

• To external Regulatory Bodies Role purpose & activity

• To participate fully in the activities of the Scrutiny Committee, delivery of its work programme and any associated task and finish groups

Reviewing and developing policy

• To assist in the creation, development, improvement and refinement of Council policy

• To challenge policies on a sound basis of evidence for example against legislation or local political priority

• To assess impact of existing policy Monitoring performance and service delivery

• To monitor the performance of internal and external providers against standards and targets

• To contribute to the identification and mitigation of risk

• To investigate and address the causes of poor performance Promoting the work of scrutiny

• To promote the role of scrutiny within and outside the council, developing effective internal and external relationships

• To demonstrate an objective and evidence based approach to scrutiny

• To add value to the decision making and service provision of the authority through effective scrutiny

Community leadership

• To use scrutiny as a means to address community issues and engage the public

• To encourage stakeholders to participate in the work of the authority

• To develop locally viable and acceptable policy solutions

• To build a dialogue around priorities, objectives and performance, among communities and stakeholders

Meeting participation

• To make adequate and appropriate preparation for meetings through research and briefings

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• To participate in a proactive, informed and effective manner taking account of the Code of Conduct, Standing Orders and other constitutional requirements

Hold the Executive to account

• To evaluate the validity of Executive decisions and challenge inappropriate decisions through call in

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SCRUTINY MEMBER PERSON SPECIFICATION Participate fully in the activities of the scrutiny function

• Full understanding of the scrutiny remit and role, and terms of reference for their own committee and others

• Understanding of member support functions

• To work within the guidance of the Chair Reviewing and developing policy

• Knowledge of and ability to evaluate existing policy

• Understanding of best practice

• Understanding of national and local legislative and policy context Monitoring performance and service delivery

• Understanding of the principles and practice of performance management

• Understanding of council’s performance management arrangements

• Ability to analyse data and challenge performance

• Understanding risk assessment Promoting the work of scrutiny

• Ability to negotiate and build consensus

• Ability to act objectively and on the basis of evidence Community leadership

• An understanding of the community leadership role

• Knowledge of local issues and expectations

• Ability to work effectively with all members of the community and build understanding and ownership of scrutiny

• Knowledge of the individuals and organisations in the community especially those traditionally excluded

Meeting participation

• Ability to interpret information and data from a range of sources


• Ability to participate in meetings including effective listening, questioning and speaking

Holding the Executive to account

• Understanding of arrangements for call in

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CHAIR OF REGULATORY COMMITTEE ROLE DESCRIPTION (Strategic Planning Committee, Planning Committee, Licensing Committee and Public Rights of Way Committee, Hearings of Standards Sub-Committee, Appeals Committee and Employment Appeal hearings) Accountabilities

• To Full Council

• To the members of the regulatory committee Role purpose and Activity Provide leadership and direction

• To provide confident and effective management of meetings to facilitate inclusivity, participation and clear decision making

• To ensure that applicants and other interested parties are satisfied as to the transparency of the regulatory process

• To demonstrate integrity and impartiality in decision making which accord with legal, constitutional and policy requirements

• To delegate actions to sub committees as appropriate

Promoting the role of the regulatory committee and quasi-judicial decision making

• To act as an ambassador for the regulatory committee, facilitating understanding of the role

• To act within technical, legal and procedural requirements to oversee the functions of the committee fairly and correctly

• To ensure thoroughness and objectivity in the committee, receiving and responding to professional advice in the conduct of meetings and in individual cases/applications before formal committee meetings


• To develop the standing and integrity of the committee and its decision making

• To understand the respective roles of members, officers and external parties operating within the regulatory committee’s area of responsibility

• To promote and support good governance by the Council.

• To promote the propriety of all members of the committee

Values

• To be committed to the values of the council and the following values in public office:

Openness and transparency Honesty and integrity Tolerance and respect Equality and fairness Appreciation of cultural differences, Sustainability

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CHAIR OF REGULATORY COMMITTEE PERSON SPECIFICATION Providing leadership and direction

• Ability to conduct meetings to ensure that applicants feel that they have been dealt with fairly and fully even if their application is refused

• Understanding of the Council’s role and ability to ensuring that stake holders are aware of that role

• Communication skills

• Knowledge of local issues

• Ability to manage the work of the committee

• Ability to support and develop necessary skills in fellow members of the committee

Promoting the role of the regulatory committee and quasi-judicial decision making

• Understanding and appreciation of the regulatory framework

• Ability to inspire and enthuse committee members for the work of the committee

• Integrity and the ability to set aside own views and act impartially, paying particular attention to the need to avoid predetermination and bias in decision-making

• Knowledge and understanding of the relevant code(s) of conduct and protocols and the ability to champion them


• Knowledge and understanding of and commitment to the Code of Conduct(s) and protocols


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MEMBER OF REGULATORY COMMITTEE ROLE DESCRIPTION (Strategic Planning Committee, Planning Committee, Licensing Committee and Public Rights of Way Committee, Hearings of Standards Sub-Committee, Appeals Committee and Employment Appeal hearings) Accountabilities

• To Full Council

• To the Chair of the regulatory committee Role purpose and activity Understanding the nature of the regulatory committee and quasi-judicial decision making

• To be aware of the quasi-judicial nature of regulatory committee decision making and to ensure that the rules of natural justice are applied. This is to be gained by attending appropriate training that is offered. In particular be prepared to take into account all aspects of the issue and not to pre-judge..

• To have sufficient technical, legal and procedural knowledge to contribute fairly and correctly to the function of the committee. This is to be gained by attending appropriate training that is offered.

• To be thorough and objective in receiving and responding to professional advice in the conduct of meetings and individual cases/applications before the committee

• Not to take part in any political whip process prior to a meeting Participating in meetings and making decisions

• To participate effectively in meetings of the regulatory committee, ensuring that both local considerations and policy recommendations are balanced to contribute to effective decision making

• To make informed and balanced decisions, within the terms of reference of the committee, which accord with legal, constitutional and policy requirements


• To ensure the integrity of the committee’s decision making and of his/ her own role by adhering to the Code of Conduct(s) and other constitutional and legal requirements

• To promote and support good governance by the Council

• To understand the respective roles of members, officers and external parties operating within the regulatory committee’s area of responsibility

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Values



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REGULATORY COMMITTEE MEMBER PERSON SPECIFICATION Understanding the nature of the regulatory committee and quasi-judicial decision making

• Integrity and the ability to set aside own and political views and act impartially, paying particular attention to the need to avoid predetermination and bias in decision-making

• Knowledge of law, policy and procedures for that regulatory/quasi judicial area

• Maintenance of knowledge

• Objectivity and judgment Participating in meetings and making decisions

• Ability to listen and to consider and respect the views of other contributors


• Good advocacy skills Internal governance, ethical standards and relationships

• Knowledge and understanding of and commitment to the Code of Conduct(s) and protocols

• Knowledge of and a commitment to the values of the Council

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CHAIRMAN AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL ROLE DESCRIPTION Accountabilities

• To full Council Role Purpose and Activity Act as a symbol of the Council’s democratic authority

• To act as the ceremonial head of the Council, to be non-political and uphold the democratic values of the Council

• To represent the Council at civic and ceremonial functions

• To act as an ambassador for the Council and for the area of Cheshire West and Chester

Chair Council meetings

• To preside over meetings of the Council, so that its business can be carried out efficiently and to have the casting vote

• To ensure the Council conducts its meetings in line with the Council’s Standing Orders

Uphold and promote the Council’s Constitution

• To ensure the Constitution is adhered to and, if necessary, to rule on the interpretation of the Constitution







Values



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Specifically for Deputy Chairman:

• To comply with the above values and behaviours

• To fulfil the duties of the Chair in his or her absence

• To assist the Chair in specific duties as required

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CHAIRMAN (AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN) OF THE COUNCIL PERSON SPECIFICATION Act as a symbol of the Council’s democratic authority


• An in-depth understanding of role of Chair

• Ability to win the confidence of the Council

• Ability to network/socialise with others at all levels

• Show an interest in a wide variety of people and issues Chair Council meetings

• Skills to chair meetings, to ensure business is carried out effectively and all those attending participate

• An understanding of the Council’s Standing Orders Uphold and promote the Council’s Constitution

• Understanding of the Council’s Constitution

• Understanding of when to seek the advice of the Monitoring Officer on issues relating to the Constitution


• Understanding of the roles of officers, members and different agencies



• Knowledge and commitment to the values of the Council

• Understanding that you will be “on show” most of the time and that you should “set an example” to others, both within and outside the Council

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