The role of a committee vice-chair is to perform the following main functions:

1. To assist the chair in organising the work programme of the committee to which they have been appointed and ensure within the terms of the council's scheme of delegation that the programme has been completed
2. To support the chair in their role as 'service champion' for the functions falling within the remit of the committee
3. In the absence of the chair to chair formal and informal meetings connected with the work of the committee and ensure that such meetings are conducted fairly, efficiently and in accordance with standing orders and other legislative requirements
4. To assist in ensuring that members are kept informed regarding the committee's activities and work programme
5. To assist in identifying and facilitating the development and training needs of the committee collectively and its individual members

In order to perform the above role a vice chairman will need to fulfil the following responsibilities:

1. In consultation with the chair, members and officers assist in bringing appropriate work programmes tot he committee for approval in accordance with its terms of reference
2. To help ensure that such work programmes are completed effectively and efficiently by those charges with specific tasks in accordance with relevant schemes of delegation
3. To support the chairman in agreeing with members and officers agendas for all relevant meetings
4. To chair, in the absence of the chairman, formal and informal meetings connected with the work of the committee in accordance with the terms of reference of the committee, standing orders and other legislative requirements
5. To help ensure that meetings are conducted in an efficient and appropriate manner that encourages contributions from all committee members
6. To assist in ensuring that the committee reaches clear decisions that are capable of implementation and in accordance with legislation and the general policies of the council
7. To maintain awareness of national and local issues pertinent to the committee and its work
8. To co-operate in full with the council's scrutiny processes
9. To help ensure that the council, Executive, members and the community are kept appropriately informed regarding the work and activities of the committee and any issues that may affect it
10. To assist in keeping under review, advising on and agreeing the training and development requirements of the committee and its individual members
11. To liaise with other bodies as appropriate to ensure the success of the committee's work programme
12. To maintain knowledge of and act in accordance with relevant legislation and the council's own constitution and protocols as regards decision making, codes of conduct, ethical government, member/officer relationships etc
13. To undertake such training as may be appropriate in performing the role