Guidance and templates for the acceptance of office by the Chair and fellow councillors. It's important that this legal requirement is completed in a timely fashion to avoid councillors disqualifying themselves before they've even started!
Resources:
Declaration of Acceptance of Office Template
Background:
It's important and a legal requirement for councillors to sign a declaration of acceptance of office ahead of their first meeting. There is a simple template that can be used which can also be amended for the signature of the Chair/Mayor.
This can be done just before the start of the first meeting they attend or on meeting the Clerk. These can slo be witnessed by fellow councillors, if the Clerk isn't available.
The most practical way of getting the exercise done is by asking councillors to pop in and see the Clerk or arrive early for the next council meeting. Whichever way you tackle this - don't leave it too late that a councillor is unexpectedly disqualified!
