Published on 1st June 2012
"Independent Persons" required to help maintain high standards of Member conduct.
Cheltenham Borough Council is looking for up to three ‘independent persons’ to work alongside the Committee responsible for promoting and maintaining a high standard of Councillor.
In order to meet the new requirements arising from the Localism Act 2011, which are likely to come into effect on 1 July 2012, the borough council must appoint at least one independent person, who will play a key role in helping to promote and maintain high standards of conduct amongst the elected councillors.
Responsibilities will include attending meetings relating to conduct matters and working with the council’s monitoring officer to determine whether complaints received about borough councillors or parish councillors should be investigated.
To ensure there is necessary cover the council will appoint up to three independent persons to commence work in the Summer.
The council is keen to hear from applicants who have a broad range of experience, preferably in public, private, voluntary or charitable sector, have independence of mind, objectivity and impartiality, as well as good communication skills.
Cheltenham Borough Council’s Lead Member for Corporate Services Cllr Jon Walklett said: "To ensure Cheltenham Borough Council is ready to work with the new arrangements in the Localism Act 2011 we are looking for independent persons to maintain high standards of Councillor conduct.”
The role will include an allowance of £300 per year plus travelling expenses.
More information and an application pack can be downloaded from the council’s website at www.cheltenham.gov.uk.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 13 June 2012.
To ensure the independence of the role, anyone who is or has within the last five years been a member, co-opted member or an officer of Cheltenham Borough Council or any parish council within its area, or who is a relative or close friend of a borough or parish councillor, is not eligible to apply.
Please download job description, person specification and application form here.
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