CHESHIRE LOCAL NATURE PARTNERSHIP

Terms of Reference for Chair and Executive Board Members

Expectations are:

• The terms of reference of the Cheshire LNP are reviewed annually with any changes circulated to the LNP for agreement and adoption.
• Action points are identified from meetings with the individuals or groups responsible shown.
• Cheshire LNP will elect a Chair on a three-year basis from volunteers from the wider LNP membership and the Secretariat will be provided by the Chair.
• A chair can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
• The Executive Board meets three times a year [Winter, Spring and Autumn] to set strategic direction and monitor progress.
• Executive Board membership are reviewed every three years.
• Where possible the Executive Board makes decisions based on consensus and agreement. If this is not possible then decisions may be taken by a majority vote of the LNP membership, with the Chair having the casting vote. For a vote to be valid at least one third of the members must be present.
• The Chair and Executive Board will co-ordinate the Cheshire LNP face to face events including the agenda.
• An agreed representative will co-ordinate the hosting of the annual event for Cheshire LNP and the event location should rotate between each of the three local authority areas.

  
  Expectations and role of Members are to:

• Champion the work of the LNP to relevant partners, organisations and networks.
• Provide strategic input into the key decisions of the Executive Board relating to vision, goals and delivery.
• Actively seek opportunities to inform the strategy and plans of relevant organisations and groups to further the aspirations of the Cheshire LNP.
• Represent and be accountable for the wider interests of their sector at LNP meetings.
• Provide support for the annual forum event.
• Operate in an open, responsive and accountable manner that always adheres to high standards of ethics and governance in public life

The principal duties and responsibilities of the Chair are to:

• Build support for the vision and aspirations of the LNP by acting as an advocate.
• Chair meetings, having regard for the agreed procedures of the LNP, fulfilling these duties in a manner that is free of political influence or bias.
• Represent the LNP, acting as a spokesperson at appropriate events, forums and meetings.
• Ensure a culture of mutual respect, partnership working and quality of opportunity for the LNP.
• Ensure that the views of the wider LNP are represented and considered during decision making in order to deliver integrated benefits for the natural environment.
• Provide secretariat of the Cheshire LNP.