Federal Appeals Panel member

Job Title: Member, Federal Appeals Panel.         

Responsible to: Chair, Federal Appeals Panel.

Salary: N/A this is a volunteer position.

Hours: approximately 8 to 12  hours per month.

Tenure: until the next scheduled appointment for a five year term in 2025.

Location:  this role may be conducted predominantly remotely, primarily using Zoom. Some in-person meetings may be required, usually in Lib Dem HQ (1 Vincent Square, London).

Closing date: 23rd August 2024 with interviews w/c 26th August.

Introduction

There is one casual vacancy to be filled by the Federal Board and subject to confirmation by the Federal Conference.

The Liberal Democrats are seeking committed volunteers to join its highest appeal body. The Federal Appeals Panel (FAP) considers and decides on sensitive issues ranging from personal complaints to Party structures and Constitutional decisions. 

These are volunteer positions and the work is conducted remotely. The time commitment is flexible. The ideal candidate will bring evidence of their commitment to the Party’s values, relevant experience in paid, voluntary or non-executive roles, and enthusiasm. This is an ideal position for someone who wishes to contribute to the Party in a role removed from front-line politics. 

More information about the FAP’s work can be found in Article 22 of our constitution.

The FAP’s work is predominantly carried out remotely, but some in-person meetings may be required. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. 

Please note that, in accordance with the constitution, you cannot be elected if you are an MP (except for the Chief Whip) or a member of the Federal Board. If you subsequently acquire one of those roles, you will have to resign from the FAP.

The chair of FAP is elected from among the members elected to the Panel by the Board. The current chair, elected in 2020, is David Graham.

Responsibilities 

The main work of FAP members is to take part in three member panels which hear appeals from party members over events within the party. 

The FAP’s remit includes:

• disputes over the interpretation of the Federal Constitution;
• claims that the rights under this Constitution of a member or of an organ of the Federal Party or of an Affiliated Organisation recognised by the Federal Party have been infringed;
• any dispute, except one as to policy jurisdiction, between the Federal Party and a State Party;
• any matter expressly so provided by this Constitution or by rules made thereunder; 
• any appeal from a like body in a State Party relating to an issue under this Constitution, except that no adjudication under this Article shall take place until any appropriate appeals procedures established within a relevant State Party have been exhausted; and
• any dispute or issue which shall be referred to it by a State Appeals Panel for adjudication.

Person specification

You must be a member of the Liberal Democrats and able to demonstrate your affinity with the values of the party as well as an understanding of the role of an appeals panel member via relevant experience in either the party or externally. 

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. 

The Panel requires thoughtful and measured decision making, which you could evidence having in a variety of ways, such as a background in HR, legal, strategy, enterprise, board-level positions, negotiations (e.g. in a union), local, state or national governmental roles, work as a magistrate and more. 

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

Our policy on parental, adoption and dependant leave can be found here. 

How to apply

You are very welcome to get in touch before making an application if you wish to understand more about the role. We can put you in touch with someone with experience of the role to discuss your potential application if you would like. 

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

Please apply by email, including:

• A 200 word manifesto in support of your application.
• A professional CV of no more than two sides of A4.
• A completed due diligence form.
• A completed diversity form.

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

If you are employed by the Liberal Democrats in any form, you should consult with your employer about potential conflicts of interest before applying for this role.