Association of Electoral
Administrators
Being the (Acting)
Returning Officer in 2015
A half-day training session for Chief Executives and
others with a personal responsibility for running the poll
20 February 2015
Preston
Aims
Raising awareness of the electoral processes and improve your ability to perform the
statutory duties of an (Acting) Returning Officer or Deputy in the UK Parliamentary
General Election.
Audience
(Acting) Returning Officers (new and experienced) and Deputies
Learning
Outcomes
the pitfalls and challenges of running Elections
the myriad of legal and procedural responsibilities
examples of good and bad practice
understanding the unique position of the (Acting) Returning and the personal
consequences of failing
techniques and skills needed to run an effective and efficient election
A Company Limited by Guarantee – Registered in England and Wales No.2406897
Registered Office: Rice and Co, Harance House, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffs WS11 0ET
Overview of the Course
(Acting) Returning Officers are subject to the Electoral Commission’s performance standards and should
ideally undertake continuous personal development in regards to election management. Anyone appointed
as (Acting) Returning Officer is ultimately responsible for the proper conduct of the election. Do they fully
understand the personal responsibility and liability they hold?
These half day sessions will be limited to small groups and are aimed at (Acting) Returning Officer level (e.g.
Chief Executives or other senior officers who undertake that role) who may wish to be accompanied by their
Electoral Services Manager and or Deputy – remember it is Teamwork that delivers a successful election!
The programme will take attendees through their legal and procedural responsibilities as well as providing
practical advice on the key things to look out for and guidance on potential problems that may arise. The
course will be delivered by Paul Morris who has a wealth of experience of all types of elections at a high
level.
9.15am: Registration and Coffee
9.30am: Session 1
Introductions and overview of course
(Acting) Returning Officer
Managing the Election
Critical Factors
Appointment, deputies, role
Key stages
Pre-election activity inc Project Planning,
Business Continuity and Risk Planning
Local Authority publicity
Nominations, Poll cards, ballot
papers and notice of poll
Election agents
Staffing
10:45am: Tea and Coffee
11:00am: Session 2
Combined polls
Notices
Coping with a combined poll
Postal Votes
Polling day
The count/s
Managing the media
Avoiding a petition
Performance Standards, Future
Elections/Referendums
Method
The course will be delivered
using presentational material,
handouts and example
documentation to provide
delegates with legislative and
practical advice and guidance.
Delegates will be provided with a
pack on arrival at the course,
containing course notes,
guidance documents and
example materials.
Group discussion will also take
place during the course to
enable the exchange of
knowledge, experience and
ideas.
1.15pm: Questions, course conclusion
A Company Limited by Guarantee – Registered in England and Wales No.2406897
Registered Office: Rice and Co, Harance House, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffs WS11 0ET
Overview of the Course
Course Trainer – Paul Morris
Paul has been involved in the running of Elections/Electoral Registration for over 40 years and is a
past Chair of the Association of Electoral Administrators. He has been the Regional Returning
Officer for the South West [including Gibraltar] since 2003. He has acted as an Election Observer in
America, France, Italy and Spain and is a member of the Electoral Commission’s ‘Electoral Advisory
Board’ and the Cabinet Office Elections Policy and Co-ordination Group.
Cost of Attendance
First delegate
AEA member
Non-member
£298.50 (plus vat)
£373.50 (plus vat)
Second and subsequent delegates from the same Authority*
AEA member
£121.50 (plus vat)
Non-member
£196.50 (plus vat)
You may be able to claim all, or some, of the cost of this training from the central government funds
provided to cover the running of the Parliamentary General Election, subject to the usual proviso (that it is
relevant and necessary for the efficient and effective conduct of the election, and reasonable in terms of
both cost and the circumstances of those being trained). At combined polls the cost may be shared if it is
not wholly attributable to one poll. If in doubt please confirm with the Cabinet Office before any expenditure
is made.
Non-members wishing to join the Association may download a membership application at www.aeaelections.co.uk
*If delegates from the same Authority wish to attend this course on different dates/at different venues please
indicate clearly on the booking form.
If you cannot attend a substitute may attend in your place, otherwise the following cancellation charges
apply:
Less than two weeks before the event 100%.
Less than four weeks before the event 60%
More than four weeks before the event £20.
If for any reason within the control of the AEA, a course is cancelled a full refund or credit will be made.
A Company Limited by Guarantee – Registered in England and Wales No.2406897
Registered Office: Rice and Co, Harance House, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffs WS11 0ET