HomeMy WebLinkAboutPOL-024-23 Staff Membership on External Agencies, Boards, & Committees
COUNTY OF NEWELL - POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: POL-024-23
TITLE: STAFF MEMBERSHIP ON EXTERNAL AGENCIES, BOARDS &
COMMITTEES
ADOPTED: June 22, 2023 (C-223/23)
SUPERCEDES NO: 2015-PLG-018 PAGE NO: 1 of 2
POLICY STATEMENT:
As employees of a local government organization that encourages constituents to take an active
role in the community, County staff are encouraged to get involved in organizations that contribute
to the vibrancy of the community.
To limit the possibility of staff members finding themselves in a potential conflict position due to
their involvement as a Board or Committee Member on a Community Based Organization, the
following policy applies.
POLICY PURPOSE:
To formalize requirements which County staff will be subject to before letting their name stand for
appointment as a Member on external Committees or Boards.
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POLICY GUIDELINES:
Candidacy for County Council: If a staff member intends to run as a candidate for County Council,
the provisions of the Municipal Government Act outline actions that must be followed by the
candidate and County Council and Administration in that regard.
Candidacy for Provincial (MLA) or Federal Government (MP): Staff members who intend to run
as a candidate in the Provincial or Federal Government, shall first request and have been
approved by Council to take a Leave of Absence that covers the period from the date of their
announcement through to and including the election date. If the leave request is not approved,
the employee is deemed to have resigned their position effective the date of announcing their
intention to run for office.
For County appointed Boards and Committees: In order to maintain a clear distinction between
the role of elected/appointed officials and County staff, unless otherwise approved by resolution
of Council, a county staff member will not be allowed to sit as a voting member of such committee
or board which elected officials or members at large are appointed by Council. Staff will continue
to fulfill an administrative and resource role to any County appointed Boards or Committees as
may be required.
Candidacy to Serve on Municipal Council of Another Municipality: In situations when a staff
member resides within another municipality and has an interest in seeking office as a member of
that municipal council, a request shall be submitted to Council in advance of letting their name
stand. If Council approval, by resolution, is not granted, the staff member will be required to resign
their position or request a formal leave of absence for the period that would span their involvement
on the Board or Committee. In requesting the leave, the final decision rests with County Council.
POL-024-23
STAFF MEMBERSHIP ON EXTERNAL AGENCIES, BOARDS & COMMITTEES Page 2 of 2
For External Community Based Organizations Not at Arms Length: If a staff member is
considering candidacy on an external Board or Committee that may be funded in whole or part
by the County, or may have elected Councillors or members at large appointed to the Board or
Committee, by County Council or another municipality within the geographic area encompassed
by the County, or may lobby the County or advocate positions before County Council on behalf
of organization members, a request shall be submitted to Council in advance of letting their name
stand as a Board or Committee member. If Council approval, by resolution, is not granted, the
staff member will be required to resign their position or request a formal leave of absence for the
period that would span their involvement on the Board or Committee. In requesting the leave, the
final decision rests with County Council.
External Community Based Organizations at Arms Length: For organizations that do not have
any direct interaction with or rely on any funding or assistance from the County, staff are free to
let their name stand or accept appointments to various boards or committees within those
organizations as long as it does not affect their regular work schedule at the County.
Organizations / Associations affiliated with the position that County Staff Members hold by virtue
of their employment: In order to be considered for appointment to an Association or Board
(including professional organizations such as CPA or APEGGA) that represent individuals
employed in similar capacities within other organizations, (municipal or otherwise), prior approval
should be received from County Council in the case of the CAO, or the employees supervisor, in
the case of all other employees.