Stone Parish Council has twelve members. These twelve members currently meet ten times per year to consider matters of policy, planning, strategy, statutory requirements and issues having a major impact on the Parish.
Membership:
Chair – Cllr Jessica McQueen
Vice Chair – Cllr Stephanie Thredgle
Cllr David Mote
Cllr John Burrell
Cllr Paul Cutler
Cllr Lucy Canham
Cllr Jeanne Hoadley
Cllr Michael Olaadedini
Cllr Milan Suter
Cllr Lesley Howes
Cllr Richard Lees
View minutes and agendas for Full Council Meetings
Stone Parish Council members are elected every 4 years and all members are required to sign the Stone Parish Council Code of Conduct, showing their commitment to the principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. View the Members Code of Conduct
Committees
There are currently two serving Committees. The purpose and structure of these committees can be found below.
Strategic Planning & Environment Committee
Membership:
Cllr Stephanie Thredgle
Cllr Richard Lees
Cllr Jessica McQueen
Cllr Jeanne Hoadley
Cllr John Burrell
Cllr Lucy Canham
Purpose of the Committee
The Strategic Planning and Environment Committee monitors the delivery of the council’s strategic plan, including associated objectives, resources, and policy initiatives and supports the council’s commitment to long-term sustainability and proactive governance. Its remit covers oversight of environmental goals, particularly the council’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The Committee will monitor and review objectives in the council’s Strategic Plan and recommend budgetary and resource allocations that align with the council’s vision, values, and priorities. It will also monitor parish environmental and ecological issues, review environmental performance, recommend and oversee environmental projects, and ensure compliance with emerging legislation and best practices.
Strategic Planning
Delivery and Oversight of the Strategic Plan
- To oversee the ongoing delivery of the council’s Strategic Plan, ensuring that its objectives are actively pursued and implemented.
- To lead the annual review process, ensuring the plan remains current, relevant, and responsive to community needs and organisational priorities.
Refinement of Strategic Objectives
- To refine and adjust objectives in response to emerging data, feedback, and evolving circumstances, ensuring the plan remains effective and based on current evidence.
- To integrate insights from performance data, public engagement, and environmental scanning into strategic direction-setting.
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
- To monitor performance against strategic plan objectives and key milestones.
- To review reports and data relevant to council progress and recommend any necessary adjustments.
Budgetary and Resource Planning
- To recommend budgetary assignment and resourcing for projects and initiatives that further strategic and environmental objectives.
- To assess funding opportunities, including external grants and partnerships, and recommend applications or proposals where appropriate.
Policy and Organisational Alignment
- To review new policy proposals and ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
- To provide strategic input into other committees where cross-cutting issues arise.
Environmental Sustainability
Carbon Reduction and Net Zero
- To monitor progress against the council’s target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
- To consider and recommend actions, projects, or investments to reduce the council’s environmental footprint.
- To oversee carbon auditing and benchmarking.
Environmental Projects and Policies
- To consider and resolve matters relating to local environmental projects, biodiversity initiatives, green infrastructure, and community sustainability programmes.
- To review and recommend environmental policies, including energy use, waste reduction, transport, and procurement.
Legislative Compliance and Innovation
- To monitor relevant environmental legislation and emerging policy guidance, ensuring council compliance.
- To recommend innovative practices or pilot schemes that support environmental progress.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- To consider and recommend initiatives for community education and engagement in sustainability efforts.
- To develop and maintain partnerships with environmental groups, statutory bodies, and other local authorities to further environmental goals.
Meeting Arrangements and Frequency
Meetings will be held three times per year, with additional meetings as required. A calendar will be agreed at the annual council meeting. Election of the committee chairperson will be the first item of business at the initial committee meeting. Meetings will begin at 7.00pm unless otherwise stated. The Clerk or appropriate officer will record meetings. Standing Orders regarding rules of debate and interests of members shall apply.
Quorum
A minimum of three committee members is required for decision-making purposes.
Performance & People Committee
Membership:
Cllr David Mote
Cllr Jessica McQueen
Cllr Stephanie Thredgle
Cllr Lesley Howes
Cllr John Burrell
Cllr Paul Cutler
The purpose of the Performance & People Committee is to oversee matters that support the Strategic Plan focus areas ‘Positive and Respected Leadership’ and ‘A Safe and Healthy Community’.
The Committee will consider and resolve matters relating to staff performance and welfare, and the development, review, and monitoring of council-operated services.
This includes oversight of the council’s employment framework, operational effectiveness, and the delivery and continuous improvement of council services that enhance community engagement, wellbeing, and support.
The Committee will consider, monitor, review, and make recommendations as necessary on matters within its remit and will exercise delegated authority as defined in the Scheme of Delegation.
Purpose of the Committee
Staffing and People Matters
Performance, Training and Development
- To monitor and review the annual training and development plan for councillors and staff.
- To monitor the performance management framework and appraisal cycle.
Employment Policies, Terms & Conditions
- To consider, monitor, review, and recommend employment policies and changes to terms and conditions.
- To review staffing structures, workforce planning and recommend actions where necessary.
- To consider and recommend performance-related pay adjustments.
Health & Wellbeing
- To note arrangements for the health and wellbeing of members and staff.
- To monitor occupational health referrals and sickness absence data.
Equality & Diversity
- To note annual equality and diversity monitoring reports.
- To consider, monitor, review, and recommend on the council’s approach to equality and diversity in the workplace.
Hearing Panels
- Members may be appointed to hearing panels for disciplinary and grievance matters in accordance with relevant policies. Decisions of these panels are binding.
- Appeal panels shall consist of members with no prior involvement in the original hearing.
Oversight of Council Services
Service Review and Monitoring
- To review, monitor, and evaluate the performance of council services. Operational Effectiveness
- To review proposals and make recommendations for service improvement or development.
- To consider feedback, performance data, and community engagement in service planning.
Budget and Resource Allocation
- To consider and make recommendations regarding service-related budgets and resourcing, including proposals for CIL-funded service developments or expansions.
- To monitor service delivery within allocated budgets.
Community Engagement and Impact
- To review the outcomes of community services and their contribution to strategic plan objectives.
- To monitor partnership working where relevant to service delivery.
Meeting Arrangements and Frequency
Meetings will be held three times per year, with additional meetings as required. A calendar will be approved at the annual council meeting. Election of the committee chairperson will be the first item of business at the first committee meeting. Meetings will begin at 7.00pm unless otherwise stated. The Clerk or appropriate officer will record meetings. Standing Orders regarding debate and interests will apply.
Quorum
A minimum of three committee members is required for decision-making purposes.
Former and Archived Committees
Finance and Audit Committee
- Oversees the administration of all matters relating to council finance, audit and compliance with relevant legislation.
- Held three times per year
- Six members of the Council (Chairman, Vice Chairman plus four)
View minutes and agendas for the Finance and Audit Committee
Human Resources Committee
- Oversees the management of matters relating to council employees in line with relevant legislation and the council’s employment policies.
- Held three times per year
- Five members of the Council (Chairman, Vice Chairman plus three)
View minutes and agendas for the Human Resources Committee
Recreation and Facilities Committee
- Oversees the operations and management of council facilities along with event, public realm and youth services.
- Held three times per year
- Five members of the Council (Chairman, Vice Chairman plus three)
View minutes and agendas for the Recreation and Facilities Committee
Strategic Planning & Development Committee
- As an advisor role in support of the development of council strategy, policy and activity. This includes the identification of future priorities and opportunities and the proposal of clear plans of action to address these priorities.
- Held three times per year
- Five members of the Council (Chairman, Vice Chairman plus three)
View minutes and agendas for the Strategic Planning and Development Committee