Council Constitution

Part 3c - Job Profiles

Frontline Councillors

Purpose

1. To participate constructively in the good government of the area.
   
   
2. To contribute actively to the formation and scrutiny of the authority’s policies, budget, strategies and service delivery.
   
   
3. To represent effectively the interests of the Ward for which the Councillor was elected and deal with the constituent’s enquiries and representations.
   
   
4. To champion the causes which best relate to the interest and sustainability of the community and campaign for improvement in the quality of life of the community in terms of equity, economy and environment.
   
   
5. To represent the Council on an outside body, such as a neighbourhood association, governing body or charitable trust.

Key Tasks

1. To fulfil the statutory and locally determined requirements of an elected Member of a local authority and the authority itself, including compliance with all relevant codes of conduct and participation in those decisions and activities reserved to Full Council (e.g. setting budget, overall priorities, strategy).
   
   
2. To participate effectively as a Member of any, panel, forum or assembly to which the Councillor is appointed.
   
   
3. To participate in the activities of an outside body to which the Councillor is appointed, providing two-way communication between organisations; and to develop and maintain a working knowledge of the authority’s policies and practices in relation to that body and of the community’s needs and aspirations in respect of that body’s role and function.
   
   
4. To participate, as appointed, in the scrutiny of the services and policies of the authority and their effectiveness in meeting the strategic objectives of the authority and the needs of its residents.
   
   
5. To participate, as appointed, in the District Assemblies and the consultative processes with the community and other organisations.
   
   
6. To represent the Authority to the community and the community to the authority, through the various forum available.
   
   
7. To develop and maintain a working knowledge of the Authority’s services, management arrangements, powers/duties and constraints and to develop good working relationships with relevant Officers of the Authority.
   
   
8. To develop and maintain a working knowledge of the organisations, services, activities and other factors which impact upon the community’s well being and identity.
   
   
9. To contribute constructively to open government and democratic renewal through active encouragement to the community to participate generally in the government of the area.
   
   
10. To participate in the activities of any political group of which the Councillor is a Member.
    
    
11. To uphold the Council’s Constitution and ethical standards.
    
    
12. To be aware of how and when to refer child welfare concerns to Childrens Services/Police and how, after the referral has been registered, that there are subsequent constraints on staff sharing information as set out in the Council’s Political Conventions.
    
    
13. To be aware of their responsibilities as “corporate parents” of Looked After Children.