Following yesterday’s meeting of the Executive which approved the creation of an independent inquiry into the flooding in York over the Christmas period, the council is seeking qualified members of the public to apply for the role of Chair of the inquiry.
The panel will consist of an independent chair, and independent panel members to be appointed by councillors on a cross-party basis. It will receive oral and written evidence, review records of public meetings, seek out further evidence as determined by the panel and return its findings within six months of commencement into the reasons the floods had such catastrophic results for the city.
The role of the Chair will be to lead the panel with the communication skills, analytic ability and professional background necessary to inspire the confidence of the York community. The successful candidate will have both a track record in a relevant career or discipline and the skill, experience and independence necessary to give the inquiry and it’s findings the credibility necessary to reach conclusions which will be respected by the people of York.
Council Leader Cllr. Chris Steward said “Our priority is for the inquiry to be conducted in a fair, open and transparent manner, and key to this goal will be the appointment of a talented Chair who can take the inquiry forward in a manner which inspires confidence from the entire York community and beyond. We would like to appoint from as wide a pool of applicants as possible, so we would invite all interested parties to review the Terms of Reference and further information at the links below. I would also be happy to have a discussion in confidence with any potential applicant. We intend to confirm this appointment at the February meeting of the Executive.”