Leader of the Council
Definition: The Councillor elected at Full Council by other Councillors to provide political and strategic leadership of the Council. Role and Duties in addition to those of all Members, and those of Executive Members.
Role:
· To provide overall strategic and political leadership of the Council, on behalf of all Councillors.
· To set the strategic direction of the Council.
· To act as the principal spokesperson of the Council and represent the Council at a national or local level, on outside bodies or in partnerships with other agencies.
· To ensure the effective working of the Executive and oversight of the delivery of services.
· To keep Members informed about issues affecting the Council.
Duties:
· To appoint a Deputy Leader of the Council.
· To appoint Members to the Executive and assign remits to Executive Members.
· To preside over meetings of the Executive and ensure the work of the Executive is carried out effectively.
· To lead and direct the work of other Executive Members to ensure the strategic direction of the Council is carried out.
· To work closely with other Executive Members to ensure close working relationships, the development of Council policies and the delivery of high-quality services.
· To work closely with the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team to ensure close working relationships, the development of Council policies and the delivery of best value, high-quality services.
· To work with the Managing Director, Senior Leadership Team and other Executive Members to draw up a Forward Plan of decisions that the Executive is expected to take in the coming months.
· To liaise with the Group Leaders to ensure the effective and proper management of the Council’s business in the best interests of local people.
· To lead on the development of the Council's policy framework in any defined area(s) of responsibility and make recommendations to the Executive as appropriate.
· To be responsible to the Council for the overall strategic direction of the Council and decisions taken by the Executive.
Executive Member Responsibilities:
· Council Strategy
· Strategic Partnerships
· Governance
· Local Government Reorganisation
· Devolution