Policy Documents

Working Party Terms of Reference

North Scarle Parish Council

Working Party Terms of Reference

Full Council may form or disband a Working Party who will carry out tasks as defined by Full Council.  Should more specific Terms of Reference be required, these should be requested so that the Clerk can prepare them for ratification at the next Full Council Meeting.

The Role of the Working Party for North Scarle Parish Council

  • To tackle issues as directed by the Council.
  • To be task specific and time limited.
  • To examine an issue in detail, read reports and related materials, examine options, get advice for the Council.
  • To act as experts and/or liaise with experts.
  • To make recommendations to Council.
  • To explain the recommendations, reasons, options to Full Council by way of a written report.
  • To answer questions from the Council.
  • No funding or monies to be spent or committed without or prior Full Council endorsement.

Working Party relationship

  • Full Council must direct the Working Party regarding objectives, scope and outcome.
  • The role of Full Council is to question and challenge the recommendations, in order to be satisfied of the correct decision.
  • The Working Party must facilitate the Full Council with as much information as it requires to ensure it can make a properly informed decision on its recommendation.
  • Recommendations made by the Working Party and forwarded to the Council will be actioned as soon as possible.

Operations of the Working Party

  • A Working Party will not have a Budget.
  • Meetings may be recorded by the Working Party to assist with production of notes of the meeting.  These recordings to be permanently deleted on agreement of the notes.
  • The number of Councillors on a Working Party to be decided on at time of the Working Party appointment.
  • The leader of the Working Party to be appointed by the Full Council at the time of the Working Party appointment.
  • The leader of the Working Party shall not have a casting vote.
  • A Working Party must consist of at least 2 Councillors and both Councillors must be present for the Working Party meeting to be quorate.
  • Work priorities and co-option of named experts to be approved by Full Council.
  • Prepare notes of meetings for Full Council to report on any activity and progress.
  • A Working Party does not meet in public, therefore Standing Orders are not applicable, although the Code of Conduct still applies.
  • To examine options and make recommendations to Full Council.
  • Working Party meetings should be arranged by its Council members.
  • All Members of full Council are to be informed of any meetings of any Working Party; and are able to attend and ask for any relevant Working Party documentation.

Last Reviewed: 16 July 2025