Agenda item

Electoral Campaign Manager recruitment

Report of the Town Clerk.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk concerning the prospective recruitment of a temporary post to manage electoral campaigning during 2021.

 

During discussion, the following points arose:

·           In response to queries concerning the maximum potential total number of business voters in the City, the Assistant Town Clerk undertook to circulate the figures following the meeting.

·           With reference to the proposed £55,000 allocation for campaign activities, Members emphasised the importance of taking a strategic approach to intervention. Consequently, it was felt that the new campaign manager should present a strategy with costed options for approval, including rationales for particular activities, prior to any approval as to the release of funds.

·           It was observed that the report appeared to propose the funding be charged to City’s Cash; however, as a City Fund activity the accuracy of this was questioned. The Chamberlain undertook to explore this matter following the meeting and obtained Members’ support for charging the allocation to the correct fund, as appropriate.

·           A number of individuals reiterated the importance of Members’ role in energising and appealing to the electorate, thereby encouraging greater participation. It was added that greater communication or messaging about the role and impact of the City Corporation, both locally and nationally, would also aid in increasing voters’ awareness and interest.

·           A Member observed that there was currently an issue with the processing of applications, commenting that they were aware of several voters who had submitted forms but whose registration had not yet been processed. They urged that sufficient resource be made available on the administrative side to ensure applications were processed expeditiously.

·           It was also suggested that targets or performance metrics might be considered in relation to registration numbers, to assist Members in scrutinising performance.

 

RESOLVED: That Members:-

1.         Reconfirm support for the recruitment of a temporary Election Participation Campaign Manager to maximise numbers on the Electoral Register and encourage diversity of candidates and voter turnout in the elections.

2.         Approve a funding package of up to £150,000 to cover the cost of the post (approximately £75,000 plus £20,000 on costs the equivalent of Grade H and subject to job evaluation) and up to £55,000 to fund the cost of any additional campaign activities.

NB – Approval for the release of the latter sum (£55,000) is to be the subject to the approval of a further report by the postholder, once the scope of the campaign has been developed.

3.         Authorise the Chamberlain to ensure that the charge of the funds at recommendation 2 is made to City Fund rather than City Cash, following confirmation as to the position.

4.         Note that the role will report to the new Deputy Town Clerk and Chief Executive and that in the interim the recruitment and other arrangements associated with the temporary post would be overseen by the Director of Communications.

 

Supporting documents: