Contact: Karen Widdowson - Ext 7334, e-mail: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1. The following decisions are sought.

	That Councillor Felicity Hindson be appointed as the County Council's Conservative Group deputy representative on the Hampshire School Organisation Committee. That the two minority groups each be given the opportunity to nominate a deputy representative on the Hampshire School Organisation Committee.

2. Reason(s)

The Hampshire SOC will next meet on 4 February, 2005, and to cover for the absence of Councillor D.G. Allen a deputy representative needs to be appointed. Proportionality rules do not apply to the Local Education Authority elected members on the SOC but Department for Education and Skills (DfES) guidance recommends that the principle be followed. Therefore under County Council's rules the appointment of a deputy for Councillor D. G. Allen is a matter for the Executive Member for Policy and Resources to determine.

In the interests of equality of treatment, the two minority groups should also be given the opportunity to nominate deputy representatives should the need arise in the future.

3. Other Options considered and Rejected - Not to make the deputy appointment(s).

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6.

Approved by ................................ Date .....................................

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

7. Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.