The Council of Merseyside Civic Society meets four times a year and oversees the work of the Society

Its aims are:

  • to stimulate public interest in improving the quality of life in the Liverpool City Region, including through the MCS Awards Scheme;
  • to engage in debate and discussion and to conduct research;
  • to promote high standards of town planning, architecture and design locally;
  • to ensure the preservation, conservation, development, improvement and careful stewardship of features of general public amenity;
  • to seek to safeguard areas and structures of historic and/or public interest, and
  • to strengthen links between interested bodies, such as Civic Voice and local and civic amenity societies across the City Region.

Elected members normally have a full term of 3 years, one group of 6 retiring each year in sequence. Council Members are elected by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November and seats vacated cannot be filled until the next Annual General Meeting. Nominations are invited prior to each AGM from the membership.

We are looking for people who have an active interest in the aims of MCS and are prepared to commit to:

  • Attending and contributing to four Council meetings per year
  • Becoming an active member of one or more Sub Groups

We particularly welcome nominations from those who, together with other members, can offer to help with:

  • Reading policy documents and comments on behalf of MCS
  • Leading and developing our campaigns
  • Organise and take minutes at our meetings
  • Keeping our website updated and managing our social media platforms
  • Co-ordinating MCS Awards schemes
  • Developing MCS Strategy for Heritage Plaques

In addition to general members of the Council there are a number of elected officer and administrative posts on the Council

Outline of Elected and Administrative Officer Roles

Chair (Elected Officer) (Max. 3-year term) (Reports to the MCS Council)

  • Chairing the MCS Council and, with the chairs of committees and members of the Council, leading the work of the Society’s committees and other group activities in ensuring the effective performance of its duties
  • Overseeing arrangements for Council meetings and the Society’s General meetings, ensuring that decisions are implemented and that there is an effective relationship between the Society and its members and stakeholders.
  • Leading the development of the Society, including strategic planning, succession to offices and recruitment of officers and Council members
  • Representing the Society (e.g., at functions, as a spokesperson at meetings or to the media)

Vice Chair (Elected Officer) (Max. 3-year term) (Reports to Chair)

  • Assisting the Chair in the conduct of their duties, in ensuring that the Council’s decisions are implemented and on specific tasks as requested
  • Acting on the Chair’s behalf when unavailable
  • Leading the work of the Resources, Governance and Membership Committee
  • Acting as liaison with and as representative on the Council for Affiliated Societies and external bodies of which MCS is a member

Treasurer (Elected Officer) (Max. 5-year term) (Reports to MCS Chair)

  • Advising the Council on financial performance, investments and reserves policy
  • Arranging for bank accounts, including signatories, receiving invoices and paying cheques
  • Making claims to HMRC for Gift Aid refunds
  • Keeping an account of receipt and payments, preparing annual accounts and liaison with Hon. Auditor

Secretary (Elected Officer) (Max. 5-year term) (Reports to MCS Chair)

  • Supervising the preparation of  dates, venues, and  agendas for Council meetings, in consultation with Chair, drafting minutes and distributing agenda, draft Minutes and supporting papers.
  • Preparing for AGM, in consultation with Chair, including elections and drafting annual report
  • Undertaking correspondence on behalf of the Society, including the Charity Commission
  • Maintaining the Society’s papers and records, including membership of committees and groups, prior to archiving