Co-opted members and standing orders change

Report: 9
Date: 6 Jan 2003
By: Clerk

Summary

This report seeks confirmation with regard to the appointment of co-opted members to the Consultation Committee. It also proposes a change to Standing Orders to clarify the right of members to place items on Authority or committee agendas.

A. Recommendation

That the Committee confirms the co-options to the Consultation Committee set out in this report on the basis shown in paragraph 2.

B. Supporting information

1. As envisaged when the Authority reviewed its committee structure, the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board has, with the agreement of the full Authority, appointed five co-opted members. There can be clear value in appointing co-opted members, for instance in terms of widening the skills or experience base available or enabling representation from particular organisations active in that particular field.

2. The following ground rules apply to co-options:

• co-opted members cannot vote and do not count towards the committee’s quorum
• the appointment is reviewed at the Authority’s annual meeting
• the appointment will be deemed to have lapsed if the co-opted member misses three consecutive meetings
• co-opted members are expected to comply with the members’ code of conduct
• although the full Authority agreed the appointment of a deputy for Lee Jasper on the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board, this was seen as an exceptional case rather than a general rule

3. On 31 October 2002, the Consultation Committee decided that it also wished to appoint representatives of the following organisations to assist it in its work:

• the London CPCG Chairs Forum (Sandra Flower, the Chair)
• the London Civic Forum (Kate Monkhouse, Director)
• Enfield CPCG Youth Forum (Foston Fairclough)
• an Independent Custody Visiting Panels nominee (Avril Jones)

4. These co-options were not formally put to the Authority for approval at its last meeting but the issue was briefly discussed as a matter arising from the minutes of the Consultation Committee and assent given (although the named representatives were not known at that time). To ensure that there is the opportunity for proper consideration, the Committee are asked, in its role of dealing with urgent business, to confirm these appointments on the basis set out in paragraph 2 above.

5. No other committee has indicated an interest in the use of co-options. Although there is no reason why co-options could not be made to other committees, members may feel that they should only be agreed in respect of the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board and the Consultation Committee in view of their specific remits, which involve community engagement.

6. At the last Authority meeting a new Standing Order was agreed to enable members to ask questions at Authority meetings. It has now been suggested that it would be helpful to clarify the position with regard to members’ ability to place items on Authority or committee agendas. If the Committee concurs with this suggestion it may wish to recommend the full Authority to adopt the following new Standing Order:

"A member may place an item for discussion on the Authority agenda or on the agenda of a committee of which they are a member. Such requests must be received by the Clerk 10 working days before the meeting. At the Clerk's discretion, in consultation with the relevant Chair, this time requirement may be waived on the grounds of urgency. This provision does not give individual members the right to commission reports from the officers on the subject they wish to place on the agenda."

C. Equality and diversity implications

These co-options are seen as enabling the Consultation Committee to fulfil its role better. The use of co-options can increase the knowledge available to the committee on issues facing particular communities in London.

D. Financial implications

None

E. Background papers

Minutes of the Consultation Committee, 31 October 2002

F. Contact details

Report author: Simon Vile, MPA.

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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