Convener
Roles and Responsibilities
The Convener of Waterwatch Scotland was appointed by Ministers in October 2008 for a two year term. The position currently carries a time commitment of 8 days per month.
The Convener’s responsibilities are defined by the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005. These responsibilities are further expanded in the Management Statement and Financial Memorandum. The main duties placed upon the Convener are:
Panels/Committees
The Convener is an ex officio member of each Panel/Committee, appoints Members (after consultation) and Deputy Conveners and Committee Chairs, and is responsible for arrangements for Panel/Committee business and approvals for procedures by Scottish Ministers.
Finance & Information
The Convener is responsible for ensuring all public funds, assets, equipment and staff made available for Waterwatch Scotland are used economically, efficiently and effectively, and for the purpose for which they were intended. The Convener must ensure adequate systems of internal management and financial controls are maintained, including internal delegated authorities. The Convener must also provide timely financial monitoring information and forecasts to the Scottish Government sponsor directorate.
Profile of Waterwatch Scotland
The Convener must ensure that the public are aware of Waterwatch Scotland and its functions. The Convener’s public profile and relations with news media must be in keeping with the terms of the appointment by Scottish Ministers.
Induction & Appraisal of Members
The Convener must ensure Members understand the terms of their appointment, the role of Waterwatch Scotland, its Panels and Committees and the role of the Convener in relation to Scottish Ministers. The Convener is also responsible for the appraisal of Members, particularly prior to re-appointment. Members are generally appointed for three years.
Code of Conduct
The Convener must ensure that Panels/Committees and Members conduct their business in a manner consistent with the Scottish Government Model Code of Conduct for Members of Public Bodies and Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland.
Complaints
The Convener is responsible for the investigation and determination of complaints, and is also responsible for investigating and determining complaints about Panels/Committees, Members and staff.
Parliamentary Accountability
The Convener must give evidence to the Scottish Parliament and its committees when summoned.
A large part of the duties and role of the Convener are delegated and the general day-to-day responsibility lies with the Chief Officer. In addition, the Chief Officer as “senior full time official” acts as accountable officer and in statutory monitoring role with personal responsibility for the probity and regularity of public finances and to ensure all resources of the organisation are used economically, efficiently and effectively.