Regional Party Policy Officer
Find information on the role and responsibilities of a Regional Party Policy Officer here.
What's the role?
The Liberal Democrats stand apart from the other main political parties in the UK because our members make our policies. The policy-making process is a core function of how the whole party operates. We make our policies at Regional and Federal conferences, where members have the right to propose what they think should be party policy, debate it with other members, and vote.
There are systems in place for managing this process. The Regional Policy Officer is a key volunteer role, as they are the person who manages the policy-making process in their regions.
Key tasks
The time required for this role varies throughout the year. It is typically a nominal amount most of the time, but will take up 4-5 hours per week in the weeks running up to and immediately after conference.
- Prepare regional policy motions for regional conferences.
- Assist local parties and members within your region with the creation and submission of motions for Regional and Federal conferences.
- Assess, usually with a committee, the suitability of motions submitted to regional conference.
- Maintain a catalogue of current Regional Policy. Where motions passed require you to do so, assist with taking these motions forward to Federal level.
Skills & Attributes
- Able to review and scrutinise policy motions.
- Good understanding of, or aptitude for understanding, the relevant Conference Standing Orders, such as to correctly and smoothly conduct debate at Regional Conference.
- Good at keeping clear and accurate records.
- Competent committee management skills.
Help & support
- View the party's advice on how to write a motion.
- Read reports from previous conferences, which contain the full texts of the motions passed there, to see recent examples and get up to speed with the party's current policies.
- Read the party's standing orders for Federal conference, including a glossary, to familiarise yourself with the language used in the policymaking process.
How to Apply
This role is elected at your regional AGM. All party members are eligible to stand to be regional policy officer.
Page Contributors
Jen Yockney, North West