Job Introduction

Independent Remuneration Panel Member

West of England Mayoral Strategic Authority

£75 per meeting, plus reasonable expenses

Expected term: 4 years

The West of England Mayoral Strategic Authority is looking to appoint independent members to its Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).

This is an opportunity to play an important role in supporting openness, transparency and public confidence in how elected representatives and other office holders are remunerated.

The Independent Remuneration Panel provides independent recommendations to the MSA on appropriate levels of allowances and remuneration. You will consider the responsibilities associated with different roles, relevant evidence and benchmarking, and the wider political and governance context before reaching fair and objective recommendations.

We are looking for people who can bring an independent, analytical and thoughtful perspective, with the confidence to ask questions, assess information and reach sound conclusions.

You do not need to have worked in local government or have previous experience of an Independent Remuneration Panel. Experience of committee, panel or advisory work would be an advantage, as would an understanding of local government, public services or the way Combined Authorities operate.

Above all, we are looking for people who are:

Independent and impartial in their approach.
Able to assess information objectively and make sound judgements.
Comfortable asking questions and appropriately challenging information or assumptions.
Able to communicate clearly and explain their reasoning.
Able to work constructively with others.
Committed to openness, accountability, equality of opportunity and public service.

A connection to the West of England or knowledge of the region would be an advantage, although you do not need to live or work in the area.

The commitment

Following an initial period to establish the Panel’s arrangements and processes, the expected commitment is usually one or two meetings each year, alongside time to review information, draft reports and relevant communications.

The Panel may also be asked to consider relevant matters between meetings.

Members will receive £75 per meeting, including concluding report production, plus reasonable expenses. The fee is subject to annual pay awards.

The expected appointment term is four years, with flexibility depending on circumstances.

Eligibility

You will not be eligible for appointment if you:

Are a Member or co-opted Member of the MSA or any of its committees.
Are a Member or co-opted Member of any of the MSA’s constituent authorities.
Would be disqualified from being a councillor of a local authority.
Are a relative or close friend of a Member or employee of the MSA, or of any of its constituent authorities.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a short supporting statement explaining why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to the Independent Remuneration Panel.

At this initial stage, you do not need to complete the full application pack.

Applications will be assessed against the requirements of the role and a shortlist will be agreed. Candidates who are shortlisted will then be asked to provide further information as part of the formal selection process.

Closing date: 11th November

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jill Bennett, Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager, at jill.bennett@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.

We particularly welcome applications from people who can bring different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds to the Panel.

Main Responsibility

The Ideal Candidate

About the Company

Our offer

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).

Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

Good Employment Charter
https://www.goodemploymentcharter.co.uk/
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates
Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees. 

Apply