GLRO20-07 Confirmation of appointment of DGLRO

The Greater London Returning Officer has the power to appoint a deputy to discharge her functions as returning officer.

Alex Conway was appointed in January 2018 as Deputy GLRO to the former GLRO, Jeff Jacobs: /sites/default/files/glro_20-01_appointment_of_dglro_2017_signed_pdf.pdf

The current GLRO, Mary Harpley, now confirms the appointment of Alex Conway as Deputy GLRO.

The Role

The Role is as defined in Decision GLRO 20-01.

Key risks and issues

The appointment of Alex Conway as Deputy GLRO will help reduce risk by providing business continuity capacity in the event of the GLRO's absence.

Impact assessment and consultations

None.

Equalities comments

The appointment was open to all staff at Assistant Director and Head of Unit level. The GLRO is satisfied that the procedure followed in respect of the appointment complied with section 39 of the Equality Act 2010.

The GLRO considers that the selection process had due regard to the need to (a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, (b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it, and (c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it, in accordance with section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. Relevant protected characteristics under section 149 of the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

The expenditure of £12,000 for the DGLRO’s additional allowance will be funded by the Elections General budget.

Under section 35(4) of the Representation of the People Act 1983, the GLRO may, in writing, appoint one or more persons to discharge all or any of her functions. In making any appointment, the GLRO must act in a non-discriminatory way in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.