Committees & Responsibilities

Meeting	Membership	Responsibility	Frequency	Reference
Full Council	All Councillors (Cllr James Hunt – Mayor) (Cllr Bobbie Sunderland – Deputy Mayor)	Full Council is a meeting of all 16 Emersons Green Town Councillors and is chaired by The Mayor, who also holds a ceremonial role. Secretariat support is provided by the Town Clerk—the Council’s Chief Executive—or another member of the Clerking Team. As with all Council committees, Full Council operates under formal rules of debate known as Standing Orders. Full Council holds executive decision-making authority on all matters of Council administration and policy, including responsibility for setting the annual budget and determining the Council Tax precept. In addition to its decision-making role, it serves as a forum for debate on key policy issues. All grant applications exceeding £5,000 are referred to Full Council for consideration.	The third Thursday of each month (except August)	EGTC Standing Orders and other Key Policies
Planning Committee	Cllr Simon Budd (Chair) Cllr Colin Hunt (Deputy Chair) Cllr Rachael Hunt Cllr Graham Hutter Cllr Tina Potter Cllr Eli Akatwijuka Cllr Tracy Cannard Vacancy x 1	This Committee reviews and responds to planning and licensing consultations, taking into account factors such as the impact on local residents, highways, and the environment.	Monday morning on a fortnightly basis.	Planning Committee Terms of Reference
Open Spaces Committee	Cllr Bobbie Sunderland (Chair) Cllr Kelly Allen (Deputy Chair) Cllr Abi Cohen Cllr Simon Budd Cllr Lynne Paraskeva Cllr Eli Akatwijuka Cllr Daryl Hembrough Cllr Andy Cowie Cllr Ashlea Etches	This Committee manages all aspects of the Town Council’s Open Spaces and Environmental assets within the Town Council boundary, including allotments, trees and plant displays, and street furniture, including, bollards, shelters, noticeboards, signage, and litter bins.	The first Thursday of each month.	Open Spaces Committee Terms of Reference
Personnel Committee	Cllr Tina Potter (Chair) Cllr Graham Hutter (Deputy) Cllr Colin Hunt Cllr Rachael Hunt Vacancy x 2	This Committee makes recommendations to Full Council on the appointment of staff members, their terms and conditions, and the human resources required to fulfil the Council’s policies. Furthermore, the committee deals with the investigation of formal grievances and staff disciplinary matters, in accordance with the Council’s policies. Furthermore, the Committee carries out the annual appraisal of the Town Clerk and administers the formal reward scheme, including appeals.	As required, minimum of two meetings per year, at the discretion of the Town Clerk or the Chair of the Staffing Committee.	Personnel Committee Terms of Reference
Finance and Partnership Committee	Cllr Andy Cowie (Chair) Cllr Colin Hunt (Deputy Chair) Cllr James Hunt Cllr Graham Hutter Cllr Tina Potter Cllr Abi Cohen Cllr Catherine Lombardo Vacancy x 1	This Committee makes recommendations on the longer-term planning of the Council’s finances. Monitor the Council’s income and expenditure on behalf of the Town Council. Also work in partnership with local community organisations. All Grant applications under £5000 are considered by this Committee.	The first Thursday of each month.	Finance & Partnership Committee Terms of Reference
Youth and Community Services Committee	Cllr Abi Cohen (Chair) Cllr Lynne Paraskeva (Deputy Chair) Cllr Tina Potter Cllr James Hunt Cllr Simon Budd Cllr Daryl Hembrough Cllr Catherine Lombardo Vacancy x 1	This Committee manages all aspects of the Town Council’s Youth Engagement Programme within the Town Council boundary.	The third Thursday of each month	Youth Work Committee Terms of Reference

Civility & Respect Pledge

Emersons Green Town Council will:

• Treat all Councillor, Clerk and all employees
• Put in place a training programme for Councillors and staff.
• Sign up to the Code of Conduct for Councillors.
• Have good governance arrangements in place, including staff contracts, and a dignity at work policy.
• Commit to seek professional help at early stages should civility and respect issues arise.
• Commit to calling out bullying and harassment if and when it happens.
• Continue to learn from best practice in the sector and aspire to be a role model/champion Council e.g. via the Local Council Award Scheme.
• Support the continued lobbying for the change in legislation to support the Civility and Respect Pledge including sanctions for elected members where appropriate.