Appointment of Independent Person

The Localism Act has changed the way in which the Council promotes and maintains high standards of conduct by its elected members and town and parish councillors. The Council is now responsible for deciding how to deal with conduct issues at a local level including the adoption of a new Code of Conduct and making arrangements for dealing with complaints.

The Council is now required to appoint at least one Independent Person to assist the Council in dealing with complaints. The Independent Person may be consulted on the decision to investigate complaints and before it makes a decision on a complaint that has been investigated.  The Independent Person may also be consulted on other standards matters, including by the member who is subject to an allegation.

The Council is seeking to appoint two Independent Persons, one as a reserve to act in the event that the person appointed is unable to act for any reason.

A fixed allowance of £647 per annum is payable together with reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses.

Download the information pack and eligibility criteria

Download the application form

The closing date for applications is 9th November 2012.  Selection will be held through interviews, likely to take place week commencing 19th November 2012.