The Local Government Association (LGA) is a politically led cross-party organisation, representing local authorities across England and Wales. Its membership includes English councils, fire and rescue authorities, the 22 Welsh councils in corporate membership through the Welsh LGA, National Parks Authorities and Parish/Town Councils via corporate membership with NALC.
The LGA has five Group Offices: Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, Independent and Reform UK. The Independent Group provides support to independent members and smaller political groups.
The Strategic Policy and Oversight Committee is responsible for:
- overseeing the development of LGA policy, ensuring its coordination and consideration of cross-cutting issues and representing the views of local government. However, any particularly contentious policy issues will be referred to the LGA Board for decision
- supports the LGA Board to set the strategic direction of the LGA in relation to policy issues
- approves the terms of reference of policy committees and reviews their work plans annually
- reviews risks in relation to LGA policy.
The Strategic Policy and Oversight Committee meets seven times per year and comprises:
- the Chair of the LGA
- the Vice Chairs of the LGA
- the Chairs of the LGA’s policy committees and the Chair of the Improvement Committee of the IDeA.
Strategic Policy and Oversight Committee member accountabilities
- To engage with councils and groupings of councils to secure their views and involvement in developing the strategic direction and priorities for the LGA, taking into account the best use of resources.
- Board chairs to engage with members with an interest in their policy area.
- To communicate back to the wider membership the work and achievements of the LGA and the Strategic Policy and Oversight Committee.
- To contribute to the development of LGA policy on cross-cutting policy issues.
- To attend and participate in meetings of the Strategic Policy and Oversight Committee.
- To attend conferences and other events as appropriate.
- To keep abreast of all developments locally and nationally in relation to the areas covered by the Strategic Policy and Oversight Committee.
- Where required, to take responsibility for a specified portfolio and act as spokesperson.
Expected time commitment
Up to seven hours per meeting. There will usually be seven meetings per year.
This role will require attendances at meetings in London and in other parts of the country.
Remuneration
Membership of the Strategic Policy and Oversight Committee is included within the allowance paid to Office Holders of the Company and Board Chairs.