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Chairman of Adur District Council
The role and function of the Chairman
History
The Chairman is regarded as the 'First Citizen of the District' and the 'Ceremonial Head of the Council', although the Chairman has few actual legal powers.
The Chairman is elected by the Council annually and chairs meetings of the Full Council.
Role and function of the Chairman
As First Citizen of the District and ambassador for all residents in Coombes, Fishersgate, Lancing, Shoreham, Sompting and Southwick, the Chairman must be seen to support and promote the interests of individuals and communities throughout the District and :
- To uphold and promote the purposes of the constitution, and to interpret the constitution when necessary;
- To preside over meetings of the council so that its business can be carried out efficiently and with regard to the rights of councillors and the interests of the community;
- To ensure that the council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community and the place at which members who do not sit on executive committees or hold committee chairmanships are able to hold the members of the executive committees and committee chairmen to account;
- To promote public involvement in the council's activities;
- To promote community leadership and social responsibility;
- To be the ceremonial head of the council acting as First Citizen and Ambassador for the District of Adur;
- To represent the council with dignity and without party political partisanship;
- To be the guardian of the council's integrity.
See also : Civic Regalia and past Chairman of Adur District Council
