You should put in place deputy arrangements in case you are unable to act personally whether as RO or LRO. You may appoint deputies to discharge all or any of your duties1
and this can be for a limited time period or until further notice.
Any appointed deputies should have the skills and knowledge required to carry out the functions they have been assigned such as assisting with the receipt of nomination papers, managing the postal vote process or adjudication of doubtful ballot papers.
You must confirm any appointments in writing and include details of the functions that the deputy is authorised to exercise on your behalf.2
The acceptance should also be made in writing.
A Deputy RO is liable, in the same way as the RO or LRO, for a breach of official duty.3
Cross-boundary constituencies
1. Section 35(4) Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1983, reg 5 Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Functions of Returning Officers) Regulations 2012↩ Back to content at footnote 1
2. Section 35(4) RPA 1983, reg 5 Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Functions of Returning Officers) Regulations 2012↩ Back to content at footnote 2
3. Section 63(1) and (3) (e) RPA 1983, reg 19(3)(c) Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012↩ Back to content at footnote 3