Assistant Returning Officer

Local Parties across the country need to choose their candidate now, not at the last minute, and every selection needs a Returning Officer to make that happen. Without you, a Local Party simply can't get its candidate over the line in time.

Behind every Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate is a fair, independent selection process, and that's where you come in. Returning Officers make sure every Westminster selection is run fairly, professionally, and in line with the rules, giving members and candidates real confidence in the outcome and giving Local Parties the candidate they need in good time before polling day.

The role has recently changed to make it easier than ever to get stuck in. The Candidates Office now handles most of the admin, so you can focus on what actually matters: overseeing a fair process and getting a Local Party to a decision, on schedule.

No previous experience needed. Full training, practical guidance and ongoing support come from the Candidates Office, and you'll never be left to run a selection solo. But we do need people to come forward now — the more Returning Officers we have ready to go, the more Local Parties can get on with choosing their candidate.

We know that stepping up to run your first selection can feel like a lot to handle, so we're introducing a buddy system for anyone new to the role. You'll be paired with an experienced Returning Officer who's been through it before, there for you to call on for a second opinion, a sanity check, or just reassurance that you're on the right track. It means you can put yourself forward with confidence, right from your very first selection.

Time commitment: Varies with the number of candidates and the complexity of the selection. Most activity happens over a few weeks, flexible around your availability, with key meetings online. 

Location: Fully remote, working with Local Parties from across the UK. 

Pay: This is a voluntary role.

What you'll get up to will include:

• Overseeing the Westminster candidate selection process from start to finish, in line with the Selection Rules.
• Acting impartially throughout, making sure every candidate gets a fair and consistent run.
• Working with Local Parties and the Candidates Office to deliver the agreed selection timetable.
• Chairing or overseeing interviews and hustings where they're part of the process.
• Making sure any Shortlisting Committee is properly constituted and sticks to the agreed process.
• Considering and deciding on procedural issues or complaints that come up during the selection.
• Working alongside the E-Ballot Administrator during the vote and the count.
• Declaring the successful candidate once it's all done.

What we're after from you:

You're fair-minded, through and through You can make calls impartially, even when it's not the easy or popular one, and people trust your judgement because of it.

You know how to get things done You keep a selection moving to its timetable, chasing what needs chasing and not letting things drift.

You're a confident chair You can run a meeting, keep it on track, and communicate clearly with candidates, committees and Local Party members alike.

You can read the rules and apply them You're comfortable interpreting Party rules and applying them consistently, even under a bit of pressure.

You work well with others You're happy pulling in the same direction as volunteers and staff, rather than going it alone.

Why do it?

• Help a Local Party choose their candidate in good time for the next General Election.
• Play a key part in selecting our future MPs.
• Meet candidates and volunteers from across the country.
• Build leadership, governance and chairing skills.
• Get real experience handling formal processes and resolving issues fairly.
• Make a genuine, timely contribution to the Party's success at the next General Election.

Sound like you?

Local Parties are waiting on Returning Officers to get their selections underway — the sooner we have you trained up, the sooner they can choose their candidate. Get in touch with the Candidates Office at candidates@libdems.org.uk for an informal chat — we'd love to hear from you.