Can 2 councillors share the role of Council Chair?

Question

We currently have a Chair and Vice-Chair of our Parish Council, and we are due to agree and approve a new Chair and Vice-Chair at our next meeting in May. Our SOs state that the VC position is optional. Is it possible for 2 Councillors to share the position of Chair?

2 of us are interested in the position, but we both work full time and therefore wonder if it is possible for us to share the position and each nominate ourselves as Joint Chair?

Answer 1

It isn't possible to simply share the position, but I have heard of councils splitting the responsibilities. The limitation is that statutes say quite specifically that the chair must, if present, preside. The vice chair presides only if the chair is not present. (Other statutes say that a council cannot function unless it appoints a chair).

However, it has been known for councils to have a member who is not the chair nominated as the council's representative for civic responsibilities. So there is some scope for sharing.