Each Political Group at the LGA is entitled to be represented on the LGA Policy Boards, committees or workforce boards.
The number of seats each Group is entitled to is based on the proportionality of the Group within the LGA. The greater the proportion, the greater the number of seats.
The LGA Independent Group appoints members to the boards, committees and structures. A member is able to have a position on a board, committee or LGA structure for a maximum of 4 years, except for Local Partnerships and International positions, which are for 5 years.
Positions are reviewed every year, and vacancies arise every year, with the appointment process running from June to July. All members of the LGA Independent Group are invited to submit an Expression of Interest form. Information on applying is sent out in the weekly bulletin. This is a competitive process where demand for appointments outweighs the number of full positions available. The Expressions of Interest are reviewed by the LGA Independent Group Leadership before recommendations are made to the LGA Independent Group Executive at its July meeting. The LGA Independent Group Executive makes a final decision regarding appointments.
Members on these boards or committees are expected to attend all the meetings and fully participate. Their role is to represent and advocate the views of the LGA Independent Group on the issues being discussed at the boards and committees.
Role and responsibilities
Those appointed to represent the LGA Independent Group on the LGA boards and committees are expected to:
- Demonstrate and promote the values of the LGA Independent Group – Integrity, Challenge, Collaboration and Responsiveness and the Group’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Constructively and reliably represent the LGA Independent Group as a whole, not just an individual council, group, or party.
- Seek, articulate, and channel the views of LGA Independent Group members across all affiliations.
- Offer constructive questions, challenge and critique in policy development and decision-making.
- Explore and consider each issue on its merits informed by comprehensive evidence from a range of local authority areas.
- Make decisions based on developing the well-being of local communities.
- Encourage and foster collective debate with all councillors.
- Work in a collaborative and positive manner with other Board Members, Board and Group Officers.
Lead members, who are either the Deputy Chair or the Chair of a board or committee are expected to:
- Provide timely contributions and sign-off to briefings, press releases and consultation papers as requested.
- Facilitate discussions with their relevant Think Tank, which can include specific thematic meetings. All members are to foster engagement with the wider Group via the Think Tanks and the Group Office.
- Provide updates to the LGA Independent Group Executive on the activity of the board or committee.
- Write an annual summary of activity for the Group’s annual report.
- Provide member briefings, speak at events, give evidence to select committees, contribute to relevant APPGs and/or lead discussions with our parliamentarians.
Full members of LGA boards are paid an annual allowance or are paid for each meeting they attend. Substitutes are not paid but are encouraged to attend pre-meetings and observe full meetings when they can to gain insight and experience should they wish to apply for a full role in future. Our substitutes also give us greater membership insight into the issues being discussed.
The LGA boards, committees and structures
The LGA Independent Group has the following representatives on the LGA Boards, committee and structures:
Special interest groups
Workforce boards
Other structures