Disciplinary Sub-Group members

Job title: Member, Disciplinary Sub Group (DSG).

Responsible to: the Federal Board.

Salary: N/A; this is a voluntary role.

Tenure: for a term of two years.

Location: this role may be conducted predominantly remotely, primarily using Zoom. Some in-person meetings may be required, usually in Lib Dem HQ in London.

Time requirement: 10-20 hours a month, depending on whether an officer or ordinary member, and including a monthly meeting, usually by Zoom on a Sunday.

Closing date: Noon, 25th April 2025.

Introduction

There are three, two-year vacancies to be filled by the Federal Board on the Disciplinary Sub-Group (DSG). Due to another member stepping down this summer, we also have a one-year casual vacancy available. The DSG has six members, all appointed for two years, with half appointed in even numbered years and half in odd numbered years. From among the six, a chair and two vice-chairs are chosen.

This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Party’s work by overseeing, and from time to time proposing (to the Federal Board) variations in, the procedures for handling of complaints under the party’s independent complaints process. 

The DSG reports directly to the Federal Board and is responsible for ensuring the independence, efficiency and effectiveness of the Complaints Procedure. As part of this it will monitor, review and amend the procedure and relevant guidance on an ongoing basis and support Party staff in their roles within the Complaints Procedure. The DSG is not involved in the handling of individual complaints.

Responsibilities 

• Ensure the independence, efficiency and effectiveness of the Complaints Procedure;
• Monitor, review and amend the procedure and guidance on an ongoing basis to ensure they are fit for purpose and that there is clarity and consistency of approach across the process;
• Identify and appoint adjudicators and other relevant volunteer personnel; 
• Appoint the Lead Adjudicator and members of the Senior Adjudicators' Team (as each is defined in the Complaints Procedure);
• Ensure that all adjudicators and relevant volunteer personnel receive ongoing and appropriate training; 
• Maintain the level of training required on an on-going basis to fulfil the training mandates handed down by Complaints Process Panels; 
• Support and train Party staff, including members of the Standards Office, in their roles within the Complaints Procedure, and receive a quarterly report from the Standards Office on how the system is performing; 
• Ensure appropriate regular reporting to other parts of the party, such as a quarterly report to the Federal Board; and
• Liaise with the Federal Board to ensure the monetary and HQ staff resources required to implement the system.

Person specification

You must be a member of the Liberal Democrats and able to demonstrate their affinity with the values of the party, as well as an understanding of its structures and the context within which the party’s internal processes operate.

A commitment to the Liberal Democrats is required but evidence of substantial prior involvement is not and induction and training will be available. The Party is keen to encourage new talent. 

In making its appointments, the Board will take into account:

• Specialist skills, knowledge and experience including in one of more of creating and delivering training; data recording and/or case management systems;, law, disciplinary matters or HR; drafting policies and procedures, including ensuring they embed best practice on diversity and inclusion; and specialist knowledge and/or training in addressing certain types of complaint (e.g. sexual impropriety cases, protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, religious representation or social media management);
• All aspects of diversity, and the need to reflect the representation from all three State Parties;
• Previous experience with the Complaints’ Procedure, or with similar procedures inside or outside of the party; and 
• The need for DSG members to, and to be seen to, exercise objective and impartial judgement in assessing the efficacy of the procedure.

Members who are currently party to a legal action involving the party (either as complainant or defendant) would not normally be appropriate for membership of this group, except in exceptional cases.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to diversity and inclusion and we welcome applications from candidates from all walks of life. 

How to apply

For questions and to submit an application, please contact companysecretary@libdems.org.uk 

Please apply by email, including:

• A 200 word statement in support of your application.
• A professional CV of no more than two sides of A4.
• Please indicate whether you would be happy to be a Chair, Vice Chair, other member or any of these.
• A completed due diligence form.
• A completed diversity monitoring form.

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.