Title:

OLNP Board membership changes

Author:

Matt Whitney

Date:

07/12/2022

 

Summary:

 

 

This paper recommends the OLNP Board approve changes to the Terms of Reference to reflect the addition of a second local authority member.

 

It also asks the Board to consider some other amendments to Board membership.

 

 

The Board is asked to:

 

 

-       Approve the inclusion of a second local Authority Representative on the OLNP Board, and associated changes to the Board’s Terms of Reference

-       Approve the change of Wild Oxfordshire representative

-       Consider the most appropriate way to recruit a new landowner representative

 

 

 

 

OLNP reserves the right to review membership of the Board from time to time, to ensure it is fit for purpose and delivering as much value to the work of the partnership as it can. In this instance, there are two recommended changes.

 

Firstly, it is considered useful to include a second Local Authority representative, a senior officer.

 

-       Officers bring a different perspective to elected Members, and the input of both to Board deliberations is extremely useful

-       A well networked senior officer is able to ensure communication of LNP Board decisions and approaches to the Local Authorities via different channels to those available to Members

-       A well networked senior officer is able to outline and stimulate methods of resourcing and delivering our workplan.

 

The Board is asked to approve the addition of a senior council officer to the Board, to be chosen by the Chief Executives of the councils.

 

Secondly, a change is proposed to the eNGO members. Currently the Chair of Wild Oxfordshire is one of two eNGO reps. The Chair, as opposed to the Chief Executive, was put forward as a candidate in the recruitment process due to the understanding that Wild Oxfordshire would take on the responsibility for managing the Forum element of the LNP, on, which the Chief Executive would take the lead.  

As things have turned out, the management of the Forum has largely been taken on by the OLNP Manager, with support from the local authority secretariat. Wild Oxfordshire therefore believe that it would be better use of the Chief Executive’s time to be board member. Camilla would bring her deep knowledge of Oxfordshire's environment and her extensive networking amongst public, private and non-government organisations. It is the view of the Wild Oxfordshire Chair that the OLNP Board would definitely get better value from Camilla' skills and experience than from his.

 

The Board is asked to approve this change.

 

Finally, it is with regret that Lady Jenifer Springer has had to step back from her position on the OLNP Board. The Board is asked to consider the most appropriate way to recruit her replacement.

 

Appendix

 

Oxfordshire LNP Board Terms of Reference

1.       Purpose of the LNP

The purpose of the LNP is to radically enhance nature, its positive impact on our climate,              health and wellbeing, and the priority it is given in decision making, ensuring Oxfordshire is a            county where people and nature thrive.

2.       Purpose of LNP Board

The purpose of the Board is to govern the LNP, including to:

-          Provide strategic leadership for the LNP and to champion nature

-          Be responsible for delivery of the LNP purpose

-          Oversee management of LNP finances and report to the body accountable for finances

-          Evaluate success of the LNP and delivery of the work programme

-          Support cross sectoral collaboration, including informing and consulting with the Forum

-          Establish strong relationships with key stakeholders, in particular the Local Enterprise Partnership and Future Oxfordshire Partnership

 

3.       Membership of the Board

The Board will consist of up to 11 Board members:

-          One member from a local authority

-          One member from a University

-          One member from the health sector

-          One member from the Defra family of organisations

-          Two members from environmental non-governmental organisations

-          One member from a National Landscape body

-          One member from the farming sector

-          One member from the business sector

-          One member from the landowner sector

-          An independent Chair

 

4.       Other Attendees at Board Meetings

The LNP Manager will attend Board meetings.

Observers may attend, and may be invited to comment, in a non-voting capacity at the                invitation of the Board or Board members via the Chair.

5.       Role of Board Members

LNP Board members will assist in the delivery of the LNP’s aims and objectives by:

-          Fulfilling the responsibilities of a member of the LNP governing body.

-          Engaging with the LNP Forum.

-          Advocating the aims and objectives of the LNP within their sector and reporting back to their sector on LNP activities.

-          Contributing to the development and implementation of the LNP’s Strategic Plan, using the knowledge, skills, contacts and influence available within their sector.

-          Influencing relevant strategies, plans and funding mechanisms to further the LNP’s aims.

-          Where appropriate, supporting the Chair and Board to champion the LNP and nature through engaging with key local, regional and national partners.

 

6.       Appointment of Board Members

Board members will be appointed for a three year term, and a maximum of one additional          consecutive term. Board members shall be appointed by their own sector.

The Chair will be appointed by the Board after consultation with the Forum and receiving its                 endorsement.

Should a member of the Board leave their position within their sector they will resign from the Board and a new member be appointed.

7.       Conduct of Meetings

As a voluntary partnership most decisions will be by consensus. When voting is required the      following process applies:

-          Only Board members present either in person or virtually at a meeting may vote.

-          Voting is by show of hands in open forum.

-          The Chair has a second casting vote if voting is tied.

-          In between meetings, if a vote is required, the Chair may seek votes via email.

-          The Board acting with a 75% majority of all members (not just those in attendance) may remove a Board member and begin the process to appoint a replacement from the relevant sector, if in the view of the Board the member has: (a) failed to attend 3 consecutive meetings, (b) failed to act in the interests of the LNP, (c) acted in a way which could bring the LNP into disrepute, or (d) failed to resolve a conflict of interest.

-          Once approved, minutes of Board meetings will be published on the LNP website.

-          The Board will meet at least quarterly

 

8.       Review of the Board Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference will be next reviewed by the Board in January 2023.