Become an Education Co-opted Health, Schools and Care scrutiny member and help to shape and improve council services that matter to residents.
The Council is looking to appoint to the following education co-opted member roles:
(a) one Church of England diocese representative
(b) one Roman Catholic diocese representative
(c) two parent governor representatives and
(d) one representative of other faiths or denominations
The Council is keen to hear from residents that wish to be involved in this critically important Council function. Co-opted members will need to be available to attend evening meetings at Number One Riverside
Co-optees will have voting rights on all education matters and can participate in discussions on other items on the Committee’s agendas. Appointments to the positions will be made on an annual basis, however, existing co-optees will be invited to continue in their role normally for up to three years - before a new appointment is sought.
About the role
Overview and scrutiny is an essential function that examines Rochdale Council’s decision-making. It plays an important check and balance role to ensure that the decisions of the Cabinet and its partners are in the best interests of the residents and that the Council continues to provide a high-quality service.
The purpose of the Health, Schools and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee is:-
To be the responsible Committee for the Council’s health scrutiny function; scrutiny of Health and Wellbeing; and for scrutiny of partnerships and key contractors including: Child and Adult Social Care Services; Early Help and Schools Services; the Borough’s two Safeguarding Boards and for the overview of the respective Cabinet Portfolio Holders and Directors.
About you
Your role and responsibilities as a scrutiny co-opted member. Your contribution is vital to effective scrutiny in Rochdale.
You can do this by ensuring that you:
Prepare for meetings by reading the agenda thoroughly
Participate and fully contribute in meetings
Identify areas within education or related matters for further consideration
Build your understanding of scrutiny through attending training and other events
Be non-political, independent, and value the importance of good scrutiny.
Values, Skills and Attributes
As a scrutiny co-opted member, you should be able to demonstrate that you:
Can analyse and evaluate data and research presented, identifying potential outcomes and recommendations that would improve services.
Understand and be able to monitor performance and service delivery and investigate and address the causes of underperformance.
Have strong listening and questioning skills.
Have confidence in challenging others appropriately and be prepared to test answers to questions, assumptions and statements.
Have a knowledge of education matters in Rochdale.
Time Commitment
You will be expected to take the time to thoroughly read agendas and papers, giving consideration to areas for questioning, subject matters for further investigation and potential recommendations that could be made. Committee meetings are scheduled approximately six times per year in the evening, with meetings on average lasting approximately two hours.
The time commitment, including all preparation, per meeting is estimated to be four hours. You may also be asked to participate in Review Panels relating to education matters. It is therefore difficult to estimate time commitment for panel review, however, members will be expected to read and research the subject matter in detail.
Additional information
Co-opted members are subject to the Council’s code of conduct and are required to make a declaration of interests and to declare offers of gifts and hospitality made to them in their role as a co-opted member. A copy of the Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors and Voting Co-opted Members is available to view via the following link:
Constitution: Part 5A Code of Conduct for Councillors and Voting Co-opted Members (rochdale.gov.uk)
Application process
To be shortlisted for interview, applicants will need to demonstrate on the application how they meet the person specification. Should you be shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview where the recruitment panel will ask you to demonstrate your knowledge and experience through a series of verbal questions and answers.
If you are interested in the position we would like to hear from you. If you would like to discuss the role further please contact Janine Jenkinson, Senior Governance and Committee Officer on 01706 924616
To apply please send your CV together with a supporting statement that provides evidence of how you meet the essential requirements of the role to Janine Jenkinson Janine.Jenkinson@Rochdale.Gov.UK by 12 pm on 15 May 2025