Erewash Borough Council is seeking to appoint two Independent Persons to the Council for a period of five years.
The two Independent Persons will be appointed under section 28(7) of the Localism Act 2011 to support the Monitoring Officer in reviewing complaints received against Erewash Borough and Parish councillors. In addition to this they will also sit on the Standards Committee although they do not have any voting rights.
In line with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 an Independent Person may be required to consider the recommendation of a Sub-Committee of the Council to dismiss one of its Statutory officers (Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer or Chief Finance Officer) and passing on a view to Council for determination.
The Council is proposing to appoint two Independent Persons and a fixed allowance of £750 per annum (paid monthly in arrears) is payable together with reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses.
Although there are no specific qualifications for the role an Independent Person will be expected to have:
- a keen interest in standards in public life.
- a wish to serve the local community and uphold local democracy.
- the ability to be objective, independent and impartial.
- sound decision making skills
- leadership qualities, particularly in respect of exercising sound judgement.
- a member, co-opted member or officer of the authority.
- a member, co-opted member or officer of a parish council in the Borough Council’s area, or a relative or close friend of the above.
Independent Person – application pack
Democratic Services
Erewash Borough Council
Town Hall
Ilkeston
Derbyshire DE7 5RP
The closing date for applications is Friday, 6 October 2023.