Scrutiny Voluntary Co-optee

What is a Voluntary Co-optee?

Scrutiny Panels are an essential element of the Council's decision-making processes; they ensure decision-making is transparent, accountable and open, bringing a different perspective to the table and giving the opportunity for a broader range of people to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

A co-optee is a member of the public, resident in Kirklees, with an interest in scrutinising decisions and policies that are being made by the Council and key partners. Co-optees bring their own knowledge and skills and are a valuable asset to the work of Scrutiny Panels.

We are looking for Voluntary Co-optees that can contribute to the shaping of how Kirklees Council and its partners deliver services to meet the needs of Kirklees residents.

Voluntary Co-optees can be drawn from all sectors of Kirklees, irrespective of age, gender or ethnic background.

Skills and Knowledge

We are looking for Voluntary Co-optees who have effective communications skills, particularly listening and questioning skills. In addition, you will also need:

• A good level of IT skills and equipment and internet connectivity to participate in online virtual meetings.
• The ability to weigh up information to reach conclusions and recommend actions.
• An interest in local matters.

For a full list of the role requirements please see the attached Role Profile.

Can anyone apply to be a Voluntary Co-optee?

We want to encourage people from a wide range of backgrounds and experience to be Voluntary Co-optees. However, in order to ensure that the independence and integrity of scrutiny is not compromised there are a small number of conditions that you must meet:

• You must be 18 years old or over.
• You must live in Kirklees.
• You must not be a current or recent employee (within the last 5 years) or member of Kirklees Council.
• You must not have a current outstanding complaint against the Council.
• In the past 5 years, you must not have been offered advice from anyone from the Council concerning your conduct or contact with the Council.

Please return completed application forms to scrutiny.governance@kirklees.gov.uk

If you have any questions about the role please contact the Governance Team on 01484 221000.