Committee welcomes move to appoint three new lay members
10 October 2016
The Committee on Standards welcomes the launch of the recruitment campaign to find three new lay members of the Committee. The House of Commons is the only Westminster-style Parliament where lay people work alongside MPs in the disciplinary system.
Lay member recruitment
Since their introduction in 2013 the lay members have become an integral part of the Committee, bringing a breadth of experience and external perspectives to both disciplinary cases and inquiries related to standards matters. Working together with the elected members, they take a full role in the Committee’s deliberations on individual cases and often lead on reform of the system as a whole. The lay members have encouraged the Committee to rethink its working methods and to become a body that seeks to play a more active role in standard setting.
Last year the number of lay members was increased, from three to seven, to match the number of MPs on the Committee.
These latest vacancies have arisen as the first lay members, appointed in 2013, are now coming to the end of their term of office. The House is looking for three people to replace them, joining the four additional members appointed last year.
The Committee has published the thoughts of current lay members on different aspects of their role, to give a flavour of what successful applicants might expect.
Current lay members have also offered their advice to anyone thinking of applying for the role, including:
- "Be your own person – that’s why lay members are appointed. Your opinion; your views; your experience; your knowledge is vital to the outcome of the lay member role and the contribution you can make."
- "Unless people are willing to step forward and share their wider experiences we can’t expect our democracy to be representative, healthy and vibrant."
- "If you believe that you have the skills, knowledge and experience to make a contribution – apply!"
The Committee particularly welcomes the fact the panel is looking for people from a range of backgrounds and from across the United Kingdom.