Co-opted members

Report: 06
Date: 26 September 2002
By: Clerk

Summary

The report reviews the arrangements for appointing co-opted members to the Board and outlines the process of seeking nominations.

A. Recommendations

That

1. the arrangements for the appointment of co-opted members be agreed and nominations be sought; and
2. subsequently the names of the co-opted members be submitted to the full Authority for ratification.

B. Supporting information

Background

1. The Authority at its meeting on 23 May 2002 established the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board as part of the new committee structure for the Authority. The anticipated membership of the Board makes provision for co-opted members and the Authority agreed that the names of any co-optees to committees be approved by the full Authority.

2. There are a few ground rules which apply to co-optees: they are non-voting and they do not count toward the quorum of the Committee. They are bound by the Authority’s code of conduct for members in the same way as MPA members. The appointments would be renewable annually although the membership of a co-opted member will deem to have lapsed if he or she misses three or more consecutive meetings 

3. The Board is asked to confirm that it wishes to appoint co-opted members. If so, to indicate how many and to clarify whether they are to be appointed for a whole year or for a shorter fixed period - for example, to assist in a particular piece of work to correspond with the Board’s work plan. Members will also wish to consider the need to maintain a balance between full and co-opted members.

4. Members are asked to consider how they would wish to seek nominations. It is suggested that nominations be sought which would broadly encompass membership of the following groups:

• Women
• Black and minority ethnic people
• Disabled people
• Faith groups
• Lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people
• Children
• Young people
• Older people

C. Equality and diversity implications

The report suggests co-opting members from a range of groups including those under-represented and traditionally discriminated against and identified in the “Equalities for All” best value review as being an equalities target.

D. Financial implications

None save the payment of travel expenses for the co-opted members which will be met from within existing estimates.

E. Background papers

• None

F. Contact details

Report author: John Crompton, MPA Secretariat.

For more information contact:

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

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