The Selection and Member Services Committee is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 7th May 2026. The meeting's agenda includes the election of a Chair and Vice Chair, an update on election spending returns, and a discussion regarding appointments to outside bodies.

Election Spending Returns Update

The committee is set to receive an update on outstanding election spending returns. As of 28th April 2026, 11 returns out of a total of 427 candidates remained incomplete or outstanding. These include missing spending returns, agent declarations, and candidate declarations. The report notes that failure to submit these documents without an authorised excuse is a criminal offence. The committee is asked to note the report and asks the Monitoring Officer to consider potential follow-up actions relating to outstanding spending returns. ¹

Outside Bodies Update

An update on appointments to outside bodies is also scheduled for discussion. The committee is responsible for making these appointments on behalf of the County Council, with a convention to share them proportionally between political groups. Following a previous meeting in March 2026, a further call for expressions of interest was made to members. At the time of the report, expressions of interest had been received for all but one outside body. Democratic Services is undertaking checks and will liaise with relevant members to confirm appointments. Where multiple expressions of interest have been received for a single position, Democratic Services will engage with Group Leaders to resolve these. The committee will be asked to note the update on appointments and determine the approach for any outstanding appointments if required. ²

The report pack also includes the Outside Bodies Protocol for Kent County Council, which outlines the framework for these appointments. This protocol details the reasons an organisation may be on the outside bodies list, the types of appointments that can be made, and the duties and responsibilities of appointees, including potential liabilities and indemnity arrangements. It also addresses conflicts of interest and codes of conduct for members and officers serving on these bodies.