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Overview and Scrutiny Voluntary Co-optee

What is a Voluntary Co-optee?
A Voluntary Co-optee is a lay person, resident in Kirklees, with an interest in scrutinising decisions and policies that are being made by the council.

A voluntary co-optee will want to contribute to ensuring transparency of decision-making, the shaping of decisions and policies, and the delivery of services in Kirklees.

A voluntary co-optee will be able to contribute equally to the constructive work of Overview and Scrutiny, as any other Scrutiny Panel Member. Voluntary co-optees can be drawn from all sectors of Kirklees, irrespective of age, gender or ethnic background.

Skills and Knowledge:
What key skills and knowledge do you need to effectively carry out the role?

• Effective communication skills, particularly listening and questioning skills
• The ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in an appropriate manner
• The ability to look at issues from a broad perspective across Kirklees and beyond
• The ability to work as a team with other panel members and council officers
• The ability to weigh up information to reach conclusions and recommend action
• An interest in local matters
• The ability to listen with an open mind to the points of view of others
• The ability to not prejudge outcomes or show bias, for example party political bias and act impartially.

Key tasks:
What are the key tasks associated with the role?
• Attending Panel meetings approximately 6 meetings per each municipal year from June to April
• Reading papers and reports in preparation for panel meetings
• Asking appropriate questions on issues before the panel
• Assessing the evidence and information provided at meetings to form views and opinions.
• Contributing to the formulation of Panel recommendations and working as part of a Team
• Undertaking work on assigned tasks agreed by the panel
• Reporting back to the Panel on the findings of assigned tasks
• Following up on recommendations to monitor progress and improvement

Expenses are reimbursed.

If you are interested, please submit your details and you will be sent a link to the information pack and application form on our website.

Application Closing Date is 3rd November 2025
Interviews will be taking place on the 5th December 2025
Induction Training will be taking place on the 19th December 2025

18 yrs and above

• Application form required

You must be a resident of Kirklees. You cannot undertake this role if you are a current or recent (in last 5 years) employee or member of Kirklees Council.