Local Government Boundary Commission for England – Commissioners

Thank you for your interest in the vacancy for Commissioners for the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.?

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The Commission is an independent body accountable to Parliament and responsible for recommending fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. ?

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We are looking to appoint new Commissioners to fill a vacancy on the Commission Board that will arise shortly. ?

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We are hoping to hear from high-calibre candidates who can show a strong track record of independent, impartial and evidence-based decision-making at a senior level and working effectively with others from different professional backgrounds to reach collective decisions. We also wish to hear from candidates who can contribute effectively to the strategic direction of the organisation.?

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Full details of the role, responsibilities and commitments are set out in this document, and I hope you will decide to apply. We want to receive applications from a wide range of individuals and welcome candidates from traditionally under-represented groups, including those from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background. ?

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Information about the Commission’s work and its Board can be found on its website.?

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Professor Colin Mellors,? Chair, Local Government Boundary Commission for England?

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 which established the Commission provides for its Board to comprise a Chair and at least four and up to eleven (ordinary) members.?

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It provides that Commissioners are appointed by His Majesty on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government for a period not exceeding five years (with a maximum of ten in total).?

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The Commission currently comprises a Chair, supported by a Deputy Chair and four Commissioners, a number that the Chair considers sufficient to deliver on the Commission’s work commitments.?

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The Commission is supported by a team of staff lead by the Chief Executive, Ailsa Irvine.

The Commission is an independent body responsible for recommending fair electoral and effective boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. The Commission is entirely separate from Government and is accountable to Parliament via a Committee chaired by the Speaker of the House of Commons.?

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Through its rolling programme of electoral reviews it aims to: ?

• Make sure that, within an authority, each councillor represents a similar number of electors;?
• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities;?
• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances.?

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The Commission wants to be regarded as:?

• Impartial – giving equal consideration to all views?
• Objective – making recommendations based on evidence?
• Responsive – listening to local opinion?
• Transparent – following clear and open processes?
• Professional – being reliable, efficient and helpful?

The current Commissioners can be viewed here: Who we are | LGBCE. 

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website 

We are looking for someone who is able to contribute effectively to the strategic direction of an organisation that, while independent of Government and wholly non-party political, operates in an intensely political environment and works closely with both local and central government. ?

Essential Criteria:

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?1. Show a strong track record of independent, impartial and evidence-based decision-making at a senior level,?

?2. Cut through significant amounts of evidence, particularly in the form of written text and maps, identifying and assessing key lines of argument;?

?3. Work constructively with others from different professional backgrounds to reach collective decisions;?

?4. Demonstrate a strong commitment to the Principles of Public Life as published by the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and?

?5. Be comfortable serving as the public face of the Commission, where appropriate, with credibility and authority.?

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?We are very interested in receiving applications from those who can:?

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?1. Bring different perspectives and experiences to the work of the Commission, applicants from diverse backgrounds are particularly welcomed;?

?2. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the democratic framework of England, with a focus on the structure, form and role of local government;?

?3. Offer experience and knowledge of one or more of: financial and governance issues, digital strategy, communications and stakeholder engagement.