Independent Remuneration Panel - Volunteer Members

Help shape fair and transparent councillor allowances

We are seeking up to three new volunteer members to join our Independent Remuneration Panel, which advises the Council on its Councillors’ Allowances Scheme.

This is an opportunity to contribute your insight, experience and local perspective to an important element of democratic governance.

About the role:
The Independent Remuneration Panel is a statutory body established under the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003. The Panel makes recommendations to the Council on its Members’ Allowances Scheme, including:

• the level of Basic Allowance payable to all councillors;
• the responsibilities and duties for which Special Responsibility Allowances should be payable and, if so, its amount;
• whether a Dependents’ Carers’ Allowance should be payable and, if so, its amount;
• travelling and subsistence allowances; co-optees' allowances.

Panel members review evidence, interview councillors, consider feedback, and analyse comparative data from other local authorities to ensure that the Members’ Allowances Scheme remains fair, proportionate and fit for purpose. The Panel’s recommendations are reported to full Council for consideration.

Who we are looking for:
The Regulations require an Independent Remuneration Panel to have at least three members. Reading’s Panel comprises between three and five independent members, and we are looking for people from different parts of the community who can bring a range of perspectives to its work.

We welcome applications from individuals with current or previous experience in areas including:

• the business community
• the voluntary sector
• local media
• the trade union movement;
• Local government experience (previous rather than current involvement, where appropriate to ensure independence).

We particularly encourage applications from people with backgrounds in the voluntary sector, business community or local media to help broaden the range of perspectives on the Panel.

You do not need previous experience of remuneration panels or councillor’ allowances. We are looking for people who can take an objective and independent view, analyse information and evidence, and contribute constructively to discussions.

Time commitment:

• This is a voluntary role (expenses can be provided).
• Meetings may take place in person at the Civic Offices or remotely via Microsoft Teams.
• The main workload is concentrated around October and November, when the Panel’s review work is normally undertaken.
• There is little or no commitment outside this period.

Appointment details:
Due to recent retirements, the Panel currently has two members. As the statutory minimum is three members, we are seeking to recruit additional members in advance of the next full review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

Appointments will be made by the Council before the Panel begins its full review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme this autumn.

To apply for this role please email a copy of your CV and supporting statement/cover letter to Simon Hill – simon.hill@reading.gov.uk