Committee Chairman

These responsibilities for Commitee and Sub-committee Chair are in addition to those listed in the councillor role profile.

Purpose

The purpose of the Committee Chair is to:

chair and manage the business of the committee or sub-committee in line with its terms of reference

The key duties and responsibilities of the Committee Chair are to:

lead the work of the committee or sub-committee and make sure it carries out its business effectively and efficiently within its terms of reference and in line with the strategic themes set out in the Council Plan
chair meetings of the committee or sub-committee impartially and in such a way as to facilitate open discussion from all members and to approve draft minutes
demonstrate fair and open decision-making by, or on behalf of, the committee/sub-committee
make sure that contributions by the public are facilitated and controlled in line with the agreed procedure, if appropriate
liaise with officers on the content of the agenda
act as spokesperson for the committee or sub-committee and liaise with community groups, partners, outside bodies and the public on matters that fall within the remit of the committee or sub-committee including acting as a spokesperson to Overview and Scrutiny Commission where appropriate.
encourage the highest standards of conduct and ethics
work with officers and members to make sure that committee members develop the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the work of the committee and to work with officers to provide training, if appropriate
monitor the outcome of committee decisions and follow up action points
raise issues with, and respond to, overview and scrutiny as appropriate

The key skills required of the Committee Chair are:

good leadership skills
advanced chairing skills, including the ability to manage conflict and promote consensus
advanced listening and questioning skills
good presentation and public speaking skills
good media skills
the ability to build effective relationships within and outside the council
the ability to plan and prioritise the business of the committee/sub-committee having regard to its terms of reference

The key knowledge required of the Committee Chair is:

in-depth knowledge of legislation regulating the work of the committee/sub-committee
knowledge of ongoing local and national developments and their implications for the working of the committee or sub-committee
in-depth knowledge of the council’s constitution and the Code of Conduct for Councillors, including any protocols relating to the functions of the committee or sub-committee