Issue - meetings

It was agreed as part of the recommendations on the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Structure, which were considered by the Council at its meeting on 30 September, that the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny (E&P O&S) Committee be permitted to appoint two independent co-opted members. The selection and recruitment process for the co-opted members is to be approved by the committee.

Informal discussions have indicated that there is agreement that the principle of co-opted independent members to contribute to the committee is supported. At its last meeting the committee requested a report be brought forward to consider the issue.

There are a number of decisions required to enable suitable recruitment, through open advertisement, to the E&P O&S Committee.

The recommendations in this report will help shape that recruitment process, with an aim to have two co-opted members in place for the beginning of the next municipal year.

The Senior Democratic and Overview and Scrutiny Officer presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Committee was informed that it was agreed as part of the recommendations on the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Structure, which were considered by the Council at its meeting on 30 September, that the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny (E&P O&S) Committee be permitted to appoint two independent co-opted members. The selection and recruitment process for the co-opted members is to be approved by the committee.

Informal discussions have indicated that there is agreement that the principle of co-opted independent members to contribute to the committee is supported. At its last meeting the committee requested a report be brought forward to consider the issue.

There are a number of decisions required to enable suitable recruitment, through open advertisement, to the E&P O&S Committee.

The recommendations in this report will help shape that recruitment process, with an aim to have two co-opted members in place for the beginning of the next municipal year.

The report was prepared for the September meeting and the dates were therefore out of alignment.

There was a discussion around the recommendation and concern that the committee were independent from Cabinet and therefore independent members were not required.

It was noted that independent members were invaluable on Standards and have since been appointed to Audit and Governance committee.

It was suggested the committee bring in independent people for certain areas of discussion as an option.

There was an amendment made to the proposal to add a line which says “to increase diversity of the board”.  It was also decided to have applicants over the age of 18 only.

RESOLVED that:

1. Two independent members be co-opted to the BCP Council Environment and Place O&S Committee to increase diversity on the Committee.

2. The term of appointment will be for an initial 3 years with an option for a further 2 years if mutually agreed.

3. A selection and recruitment panel be created, comprising of the Chairman of the Committee and two other Committee members. The panel will be supported by the Monitoring Officer and Scrutiny Officer.

4. Each independent co-opted member appointed under these arrangements be entitled to the Co-opted and Independent Members’ Allowance as defined in Part 7 of the Constitution (currently £1,084 per annum).

5. Following the recruitment process, a report from the panel is presented to the next available Environment and Place O&S Committee, which outlines the process and the panel’s recommendations. This report will be considered by the Environment and Place O&S Committee to formally approve the appointments.

6. The Committee delegate to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Chair of the Environment and Place O&S Committee,

·       any changes to the role profile and person specification required;

·       operational details associated with recruitment, shortlisting and interviews.

Voting:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17