Become a voluntary co-optee and help council decision making

Do you want to help make sure that the Council’s decision making is transparent, accountable and open? Could you bring a different perspective to the table, using your own knowledge and skills? If so, you may be interested in becoming a voluntary co-optee, working with our Scrutiny team.
What is scrutiny?
Scrutiny is an essential element of ensuring that the Council’s decision-making is transparent, accountable and open, bringing a different perspective to the table and giving the opportunity for a broader range of members to make a contribution to the work of the Council.
What is a voluntary co-optee?
A co-optee is someone who is interested in scrutinising decisions and policies that are being made by the Council and key partners. Co-optees bring their own knowledge and skills and are considered to be a valuable asset to the work of scrutiny.
How do voluntary Scrutiny co-optees benefit?
Voluntary Scrutiny co-optees will develop their skill set, gaining experience and knowledge of working with elected members and council officers, and a better understanding of how council decision making works and the processes behind it.
Skills we are looking for:
- Effective communication skills, particularly listening and questioning skills
- The ability to look at issues from a broad perspective across Kirklees and beyond
- The ability to work as a team with other panel members and council officers
- The ability to weigh up information to reach conclusions and recommend actions
- The ability to not pre-judge outcomes or show bias, for example, party political bias.
- A good level of IT skills
Choose to get involved in one of our 4 scrutiny panels
- Children’s
- Corporate
- Economy and Neighbourhoods
- Health and Adult Social Care
Who can apply?
You can apply to be a co-optee if you are:
- 18 years and over
- A resident in Kirklees
- Interested in local and community issues
- Interested in local government and public service
- Interested in shaping how the Council and its partners deliver services to meet the needs of residents of Kirklees.
Apply now
Find out more information and apply