What are the duties of an Electoral Registration Officer?

The statutory functions, including the duties of the ERO, are set out in legislation. Further duties can be imposed by a direction of the Secretary of State. 

The Secretary of State has a power to direct EROs in the discharge of their functions in relation to UK Parliamentary elections and combined elections, but can only exercise this power of direction on, and in accordance with, a recommendation of the Electoral Commission. This power is held by Scottish Ministers in relation to Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections.1

The convener of the Electoral Management Board may also give directions to EROs about the exercise of their functions in relation to a particular Scottish parliamentary or local government election.2

The local authority that appointed you as ERO must provide the resources needed to discharge your statutory functions. Any expenses properly incurred by you in performance of your functions must be paid by the local authority that appointed you.3