Independent Persons

Appointment of Independent Persons - Ethical Standards and Member
Development Committee

We are looking to appoint an Independent Persons to sit on the Council’s
Ethical Standards and Member Development Committee to assist the
Council to promote and maintain high standards of conduct amongst its elected members and co-opted members.

The Council is required under the Localism Act 2011 to appoint at least one
Independent Person to assist the Council to deal with complaints made against elected members and co-opted members. The Council already has two Independent Persons appointed and is looking to appoint a further Independent Person.

The role of the Independent Person is detailed within the Job Description. One of the primary functions of the role is provide views on a complaint against a member before the Council takes a decision on allegations made and whether it ought to be investigated. The Independent Person may also be consulted on other standards matters, including by a councillor who is subject to an allegation; how the council can promote and maintain high standards of conduct and how member training and development can be enhanced for members.

In order to be an Independent Person you must not in the past 5 years prior to the appointment have been an elected member, co-opted member or officer of Sandwell Council.

The Independent Person may also be required to sit on the Chief Officers Terms and Conditions Committee in the event that disciplinary action is required in respect of a chief officer (in accordance with the Local Authorities
(Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.

We are encouraging applicants from a diverse background.

Relevant training will be provided for and out of pocket expenses are payable.

For more information and an application pack contact Trisha Newton,
via e-mail trisha_newton@sandwell.gov.uk or download it.

The closing date for submission of applications is 12 noon on 14 January
2022