A. All Members – Constituency Responsibility
All
48 Members of the Council, are elected for an Electoral Division – their
constituency.
Role
To be an
advocate of, and for, the interests of the constituency, individual electors,
community groups and other stakeholders. To represent the interests of those
individuals and groups to the Council, and deal with enquiries and
representations from constituents.
1.
Individually, and with other representatives of other
Electoral Divisions, to effectively represent the interests of the Electoral
Division, individual and groups of constituents in the policy formulation and
decision making processes of the Council and to other local and national bodies.
2.
To work individually and collectively in the interests of
the Electoral Division and the Council.
3.
To lead and actively encourage community involvement and
engagement in consultation in policy formulation and decision making by the
Council.
4.
To respond to constituents enquiries and representations
fairly and impartially.
5.
To promote good community relations and take and encourage
steps to eliminate unlawful discriminatory practices and attitudes within and
outside the Council.
6.
To assist in the above members are likely to have an
active involvement (including attending meetings where invited) in the local
Parish/Town Council, Community Forum and other community groups. Additionally
members may hold surgeries to enable their constituents to have greater access
to them add issue newsletters to keep their constituents informed.
7.
To act in accordance with the Members Code of Conduct and
the Protocol for Member/Officer relations.
1.
All Members receive a basic allowance of £5,528 (Note:
all allowances and payments in this document are quoted as at 2002/03 level –
all are increased annually by a figure based on: all occupations average growth
daily pay for South East England) under the scheme of
members allowances which is, in part, remuneration for time and expense spent
on these duties. These duties will not normally give rise to recoverable
subsistence or travel expenses.
2.
Mandatory and further specialised training is provided for
Members who are encouraged to ensure that they are well informed and are
encouraged to develop the skills to enable them to undertake these
responsibilities.
3.
All members receive general clerical/typing support from
the Members Support Officer.
4.
All elected members are entitled to a lap top computer,
software and training. Telephone line rental and call costs are provided for in
the basic allowance.
5.
The extensive legal and constitutional provisions which
regulate members rights to attend meetings and access information necessary to
the discharge of their duties is set out in the Access to Information Procedure
Rules in the Constitution.
6.
Anything
else arising from consultation with members (either existing or as a “wish
list”)?
B. Member of Full Council
All 48 Members of the Council including the Leader
and Members of the Cabinet are members of the Full Council. There are
restrictions on the Leader and Executive Members participating in the Select
and Standards Committee functions of the Full Council.
Role
Collectively,
to determine the Budget and Policy Framework of the Council and to effectively
discharge the functions which are the Responsibility of the Full Council under
Part 3 of the Constitution.
Duties
1.
Participate in the setting by the Full Council, following
proposals from the Executive, of the Budget and Policy Framework of the
Council, following the procedures in the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure
Rules.
2.
Collectively, as a Full Council, to directly discharge or
arrange for the discharge of the functions set out in Article 4 of the
Constitution which are the responsibility of the Full Council. This may include
the delegation of functions to Committees,
Sub-Committees or Officers and/or to joint arrangements with other Councils.
3.
To appoint through the Council the Chairman, Vice Chairman,
Deputy Chairman or Member of such Committees, Sub-Committees or joint
arrangements and collectively with other members of those bodies directly
discharge or arrange for the discharge of functions delegated to them.
4.
To promote the economic, social and environmental
well-being of the Island and to have regard to the Community Strategy when doing
so.
5.
When participating in decision making, to ensure that
decisions are lawful, reasonable, proportionate and contribute to the vision,
mission, core values, and strategic objectives and are within the Policy and
Budget Framework of the Council. To also consider how each decision can assist
in the reduction of crime and the elimination of inequality and discrimination.
6.
When participating in decisions which have a direct impact
on the rights and freedoms of individuals, ensure that proper processes are
followed and that obligations under the principles of natural justice and human
rights legislation are met.
7.
To be available to be appointed to outside bodies and
·
Where appointed as the Council's representative, to act as directed by, or in the interests of the Council,
·
Where appointed as a Director, Trustee or other capacity bearing
personal liability, to act in accordance with the law and in accordance with
the interests of the outside body,
·
Where appointed as an observer or in another non decision
making capacity, to represent the Council without becoming involved in decision
making by the outside body.
8.
To participate in Best Value Reviews as required by the
Council.
9.
To promote good community relations and take and encourage
steps to eliminate unlawful discriminatory practices and attitudes within and
outside the Council.
10.
To act in accordance with the Members Code of Conduct and
the Protocol for Member/Officer relations.
1.
The basic allowance includes recognition of the work
undertaken by members in relation to Full Council meetings.
2.
The detail of how members can participate in debates,
submit motions and vote are set out in the Council Procedure Rules.
3.
Mandatory and further specialised training is provided for
Members who are encouraged to ensure that they are well informed and are
encouraged to develop the skills to enable them to undertake these
responsibilities.
C. Chairman of the Council
It
is the duty of the annual meeting of the Full Council to elect one of its
Members to be Chairman of the Council. No member can serve as Chairman or Vice
Chairman of the Council for more than two consecutive years.
Role
The
Chairman of the Council has a formal responsibility to chair meetings of the
Full Council and a ceremonial role. The Chairman of the Council is (after the
Queen or her representative and the High Sheriff) entitled to take precedence
at civic events.
Duties
The
Chairman and in his/her absence the Vice Chairman (and in both their absence
the Deputy Chairman), will have the following responsibilities:
1.
to uphold and promote the purposes of the
Constitution, and after receiving advice, to interpret the Constitution when
necessary;
2.
to preside over meetings of the full Council so that
its business can be carried out efficiently and with regard to the rights of
Councillors and the interests of the community;
3.
to ensure that the full Council meeting is a forum
for the debate of matters of concern to the local community and the place at
which members who are not on the Executive are able to hold the Executive to
account;
4.
to promote public involvement in the Council's
activities;
5.
to be responsible for the Council's civic affairs
and attend such civic and ceremonial functions as the Council and he/she
determines appropriate.
Entitlement
1.
The Chairman of the Council will be known as the Chairman
of the Council.
2.
The Chairman of the Council receives (in addition to the
basic allowance) a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) of £5,528 pa. The
Vice Chairman (in addition to the basic allowance) receives an SRA of £2,766 pa
and the Deputy Chairman (in addition to the basic allowance) £1,383 pa.
3.
The Chairman Of the Council receives support in managing
civic and ceremonial duties from the Civic Office.
D. The Leader and Portfolio Holders
The
Council shall annually appoint a Leader and up to 9 Executive Members who
together constitute the Executive.
Role
The
Leader is the chairman of the Executive.
The
Executive have collective and individual responsibility to propose the Budget
and Policy Framework to the Council, and to discharge or arrange for the
discharge of those functions which are the responsibility of the Executive
under Article 7 of the Constitution.
Portfolio
Holders have a personal responsibility for taking decisions in relation to, and
discharging those executive functions delegated to them by the Council. The
delegations to Executive Members are known as their portfolio and are detailed in “Delegation of Executive Functions” of the
Constitution (page 38).
Duties
1.
Collectively
and individually to propose the Budget and Policy Framework, following
consultation with Select Committees and others as appropriate.
2.
Personally to take decisions and discharge directly, or
arrange for the discharge, of those parts of the Executive's functions which
are delegated to the Executive Members by the Council as part of their portfolio.
3.
Collectively to take decisions which
due to their strategic nature, sensitivity or complexity or under the
constitution are appropriately taken by the Executive as a whole.
4.
To represent the Council locally, nationally and
internationally.
5.
To be available to be appointed by the Executive to outside
bodies; and
·
Where appointed as the Council's representative, or
delegate, to act as directed by, or in the interests of the Council,
·
Where appointed as a Director, Trustee or other capacity bearing
personal liability, to act in accordance with the relevant law and in
accordance with the interests of the outside
body,
·
Where appointed as an observer or other non decision making
capacity to represent the Council without becoming involved in decision making
by the outside body.
6.
To assist in driving efforts of the Council in reducing
crime and eliminate inequality of opportunity and unlawful discrimination.
7.
To undertake Electoral Division and Full Council Members'
duties.
8.
To act in accordance with the Members Code of Conduct and
the Protocol for Member/Officer relations.
1.
The Leader of the Council receives (in addition to the
basic allowance) a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) of £16,587 pa. All
other members of the Executive receive (in addition to the basic allowance) an
SRA of £8,294 pa.
2.
The Leader of the Council receives dedicated support from
the Leader’s Support Officer. Other Executive Members receive secretarial and
administrative support from the Members Support Officer. Support is also provided
by Strategic Directors and Heads of Service as appropriate.
3.
Members of the Executive have the same rights to
information as other members of the council.
4.
Mandatory and further specialised training is provided for
Members who are encouraged to ensure that they are well informed and are
encouraged to develop the skills to enable them to undertake these
responsibilities.
E. Select Committee Members
Select
Committee Members are the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Members of Select
Committee Committees.
Members
of the Executive cannot be Select Committee Members.
There
will be co-opted Select Committee Members, including church and parent governor
representatives where education functions are concerned, as determined by the
relevant Select Committee. This Job Profile applies to them whilst they are
serving on the Committee.
Role
With
other Select Committee Members, to effectively and efficiently discharge the
Council's Overview and Scrutiny Function under Section 21 of the Local Government
Act 2000, including the management of resources allocated to the discharge of
that function.
Duties
1.
To work closely and constructively with the Executive and
individual Executive Members, to participate in the formulation of the Budget
and Policy Framework by responding to proposals from the Executive within
timescales set by the Executive.
2.
Drive and participate in programmes of policy review, both
at the request of the Full Council and of the Executive, but at least equally
at the initiative of Select Committees. The programme of review may include
consideration of anything which is of interest to the area or its inhabitants,
even where the issue is not the responsibility
of the Council.
3.
With other Select Committee Members, to subject decisions
of the Executive (including the individual Executive Members and Officers
taking key decisions) to appropriate and rigorous scrutiny. To evaluate and
question executive decision making in order to hold the Executive to account.
4.
When appropriate to participate in the Call In procedure
where, in exceptional circumstances, four members of the relevant Select
Committee consider it is required.
5.
To ensure that the work of Select Committees is available
to the Executive and the Full Council, where appropriate, through the
submission of reports and clear, concise recommendations.
6.
In undertaking these duties to apply the Constitution of
the Council, and particularly the Select Committee Procedure Rules, the Access
to Information Rules and the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules.
7.
To undertake additional functions such as required by the
Council or by statute
8.
To respond to constituents enquiries and representations
fairly and impartially.
9.
To declare any personal interest in issues being
scrutinised and to take any action, including withdrawal from the Committee or
Sub-Committee required to maintain impartiality.
10.
To undertake Overview and Scrutiny functions in a
constructive and non-partisan way.
11.
To promote good community relations and take and encourage
steps to eliminate unlawful discriminatory practices and attitudes within and
outside the Council.
12.
To act in accordance with the Members Code of Conduct and
the Protocol for Member/Officer relations.
1.
The Chairmen of Select Committees receive (in addition to
the basic allowance) a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) of £5,528 pa.
2.
Select Committee Members have additional rights to access
information of relevance to their areas of responsibility. These rights are set
out in the Select Committee Procedure Rules.
3.
Mandatory and further specialised training is provided for
Members who are encouraged to ensure that they are well informed and are
encouraged to develop the skills to enable them to undertake these
responsibilities.
F.
Regulatory Committee Members
Regulatory Committee Members are the members of the
Development Control, Licensing and Regulatory Appeals Committees.
Role
To effectively discharge the Council’s regulatory functions
in a number of areas as detailed in the terms of reference of the Committees.
Theses functions have to have particular regard to additional legislative
requirements as there are a number of quasi-judicial matters that have to be
considered.
Duties
1.
To determine all matters that come before the
meetings in accordance with the various policies (local and national) in a
consistent and impartial manner.
2.
To attend training as provided by the Council on
these matters prior to participating in the work of any of the Committees.
3.
To attend any further training provided during their
term of office.
4.
If a member is unable to attend a specific meeting
they may only appoint a deputy from the list of specified deputies who must
have attended the training as above.
5.
In undertaking these matter to follow the procedures
and Codes of Practice as set out in the Council’s Constitution.
6.
To promote good community relations and take and encourage
steps to eliminate unlawful discriminatory practices and attitudes within and
outside the Council.
7.
To act in accordance with the Members Code of Conduct and
the Protocol for Member/Officerrelations.
Entitlements
1.
The Chairmen of the Development Control and
Licensing Committees receive (in addition to the basic allowance) a Special
Responsibility Allowance (SRA) of £5,528 pa. The Chairman of the Regulatory
Appeals Committee receives (in addition to the basic allowance) a Special
Responsibility Allowance (SRA) of £1,383 pa.
2.
Mandatory and further specialised training is provided for
Members who are encouraged to ensure that they are well informed and are
encouraged to develop the skills to enable them to undertake these
responsibilities.
G. Standards Committee Members
10
Standards Committee Members (plus 3 Deputies) are appointed by the Full Council
in accordance with the Relevant Authorities (Standards Committee) Regulations
2001.
2
Members (plus 3 Deputies) are also Members of the Council (other than the
Leader), 7 are independent of the Council (one of whom will be the Chairman the
Committee), and one (plus a Deputy) is a Parish Councillor.
The
Standards Committee Members collectively have the duties of promoting high
standards of conduct by elected and co-opted Members of the Council, and Parish
and Town Councils, and of assisting those Members and Councilors to achieve
those high standards.
Duties
1.
To advise the Full Council and Executive on the adoption or
revision of a Code of Conduct
2.
To monitor the operation of the Council's Code of Conduct
and report any necessary alterations required to the Full Council and Executive
3.
To facilitate and monitor advice to and training of Members
and co-opted Members of the Council on the Council's Code of Conduct
4.
To undertake the same functions in respect of Parish and
Town Councils and Members of those Parish Councils except where the committee
has arranged for those functions to be discharged by a subcommittee
5.
To undertake such other functions as may be, from time to
time, be conferred on the standards committee by the Council or Regulations
6.
To impartially consider any report of the Monitoring
Officer, Ethical Standards Officer or the Adjudication Sub-Committee for
England and to take any necessary action in accordance with the law
7.
To consider fairly and impartially applications for a
dispensation from the rules as to speaking and voting where a Member has an
otherwise declarable interest in accordance with the Code of Conduct
8.
To act in accordance with such advice and guidance as may
be issued by the Standards Board for England.
9.
To promote good community relations and take and encourage
steps to eliminate unlawful discriminatory practices and attitudes within and
outside the Council.
Entitlements
1.
Mandatory and further specialised training is provided for
Members who are encouraged to ensure that they are well informed and are
encouraged to develop the skills to enable them to undertake these
responsibilities.
2.
No special responsibility allowance is paid to members of
the Standards Committee.
H.
LEADERS OF POLITICAL GROUPS
It
is open to Members who form political groups under the Local Government
(Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 to appoint a Leader.
Role
The
Leader of a Political Group has one formal role under the Local Government
(Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and that is to be the person
nominated by those members on the Council wishing to form a Group as their
Leader and the wishes of the Group are taken to be those expressed by the
Leader. Other duties are a matter for
each group to determine.
Entitlement
1.
The Leader of the main opposition Group receives a special
responsibility allowance of £5528 pa.
2.
The leaders of political groups with 4 or more members
receive a special responsibility allowance of £1383.