At the end of March 2013, South Cambridgeshire District Council announced that it was inviting applications from impartial and dedicated people to step forward to help the Council keep standards high.
The Council is looking for a new ‘Independent Person’ to assist in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct amongst its elected Members and Parish Councillors.
Following changes to the Localism Act last year, the Council appointed an Independent Person and deputy for one year and permanent replacements are now needed.
The Independent Person will have a number of tasks from being consulted on the decision to investigate complaints to speaking to a Councillor who is subject to an allegation.
A fixed allowance of £1000 is payable annually together with travel and subsistence expenses for the Lead ‘Independent Person’ and £500 annually as well as travel and subsistence expenses for the deputy.
The appointment will be by Full Council on 24 May 2013, subject to ratification annually at the Council’s Annual Meeting in May each year.
Fiona McMillian, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s legal and democratic services manager, said:
“The role of the Independent Person is a vital one as local government seeks to evolve to the meet the demands of localism. The position carries a great deal of responsibility with the successful applicant having the important task of ensuring local councillors at all levels behave to the highest of standards. We welcome applications from anyone who is interested in the position whether they know anything about local government or not.”
For further details, including an application pack, please visit the Council’s website: www.scambs.gov.uk/content/independentperson. Further information is also available by contacting the Council’s legal team on 03450 450 500.
The closing date for submission of applications is Friday 19 April 2013 with interviews being held during the week beginning Monday 6 May.
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