Tamworth Borough Council
Independent Person Vacancy
Are you interested in helping the Council promote and uphold ethical standards in Tamworth Borough Council?
Are you passionate about integrity, transparency, and accountability in local
government?
Tamworth Borough Council is seeking to appoint two Independent Persons (IP) to assist in maintaining the highest ethical standards in public service.
The appointment will be for two years, with the option to extend for a further 1 year.
The closing date for applications will be 12 noon on Friday 23 May 2025, and interviews will take place the first week of June 2025.
Introduction
The Borough Council is responsible for deciding how to deal with standards issues at a local level, including adopting its own local Code of Conduct and determining its arrangements for dealing with complaints.
The Localism Act provides that the Council must appoint an IP to assist the Council in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct amongst its elected members.
As an IP you will:
• Assist in investigations into alleged breaches of the Members’ Code of
Conduct
• Provide independent advice on councillor conduct and ethical matters
• Offer guidance and assurance to the council’s governance process
This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in upholding democratic values and public confidence in local government.
Full details of the role and person specifications of the IP are detailed below.
A modest allowance of £1000 (gross pa) will be provided along with training and support.
How to apply
For further details and how to apply please contact Nicola Hesketh (Monitoring Officer) Nicola-Hesketh@tamworth.gov.uk
Applicants will be asked to apply in writing submitting:
• their CV;
• together with a written statement of no more than 1000 words setting out why they would like to be considered for the appointment and how they would contribute to the raising of public standards in municipal life.
• The CV and statement should be returned to: Nicola Hesketh (Monitoring Officer) Nicola-Hesketh@tamworth.gov.uk
Role of the Independent Person
Responsible to - The Council
Liaison with - Monitoring Officer, members of the Standards Committee, officers and members of the Borough Council within the borough, and key stakeholders within the community.
Role - To assist the Council in promoting high standards of conduct by elected and co-opted members of Tamworth Borough Council and in particular to uphold the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council and the seven principles of public office, namely selflessness, honesty, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness and leadership.
To be consulted by the Council through the Monitoring Officer and/or the Standards Committee before it makes a decision on an investigated allegation and to be available to attend meetings of the Hearing Panel of the Standards Committee for this purpose.
To be available for consultation by the Monitoring Officer and/or the Standards Committee before a decision is taken as to whether to investigate a complaint or to seek local resolution of the same.
To be available for consultation by any elected member, who is the subject of a standards complaint.
To develop a sound understanding of the ethical framework as it operates within Tamworth Borough Council and its town.
To participate in training events to develop skills, knowledge and experience and in networks developed for Independent Persons operating outside the Borough Council’s area.
To attend training events organised and promoted by the Council’s Standards Committee.
To act as advocate and ambassador for the Council in promoting ethical behaviour.
Person Specification for the Independent Person (IP)
To be eligible for appointment, a person must not be disqualified from holding office under Section 28 of the Localism Act 2011. Accordingly, any person who is recommended for appointment will be required to confirm that he/she is not disqualified.
The IP should: -
• Be aged over 18; and
• Not be a member of any political party.
The council's privacy policy can be found at: Privacy Policy: Privacy Notice | Tamworth Borough Council.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .