Post

Council Chair

Description

Main Purpose of Role

 

In addition to the duties and responsibilities expected to be undertaken by all members, to provide strong, fair and visible ceremonial and civic leadership to the community and the Council putting aside party political considerations.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

*   To be the Civic Leader of South Cambridgeshire.

*   To promote the interests and reputation of the District Council and South Cambridgeshire as a whole and to act as an ambassador for both.

*   To undertake civic, community and ceremonial functions.

*   To uphold and promote the purposes of the Constitution, and to interpret the Constitution where necessary, having particular regard to Article 16.02 and the Council’s Standing Order which state that, “the ruling of the Chairman of Council as to the construction or application of this Constitution or as to any proceedings of the Council shall be final”.

*   To preside over meetings of the Council so that its business can be carried out fairly and efficiently and with regard to the rights of members and the interests of the community.

*   To ensure that the Council meeting is a forum for debate for matters of concern to the local community and where members who do not serve on the Cabinet may hold the Cabinet to account.

*   In the capacity of Chairman of the Council, to serve on any other bodies either within or outside the Council as appropriate or attend related events and conferences.

*   To promote public involvement in the Council’s activities.

*   To be the conscience of the Council.

*   To work closely with the Leader of the Council to provide clarity between civic and political leadership roles

*   To respond to correspondence addressed to the Chairman of the Council, in consultation with the relevant officers.

*   To undertake functions described elsewhere in this Constitution towards the effective running of the Council meeting, with particular regard to the following:

·                      Chairman of (Council) meeting (Standing Order 7)

·                      Quorum of Council meetings (Standing Order 8)

·                      Questions by the public (Standing Order 10)

·                      Questions by Members (Standing Order 11)

·                      Notice of Motions (Standing Order 12)

·                      Rules of debate (Standing Order 14)

·                      Voting (Standing Order 16)

·                      Minutes (Standing Order 17)

·                      Members’ Conduct (Standing Order 20)

·                      Disturbance by public (Standing Order 21)


Conventions and Protocols.

 

*   The Chairman will, in carrying out his / her duties, conduct himself / herself without regard to party political considerations and will only express views which are in accordance with the Council’s policies, unless he / she makes it clear that such views are entirely personal.

*   The Chairman may not concurrently be the Chairman of any other committee or member body.

 

Accountability

 

The tasks and duties outlined in this role description relate to the political or member level activities of the District Council.  Accountability for members’ performance is ultimately through the political and electoral process but will also be subject to any member personal development arrangements agreed by the Council.

Post is held by