Independent Person (voluntary position)
We adopt a ‘name blind’ approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made - please note that this also includes any CV uploaded. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage. Organisation Kirklees Directorate Public Health and Corporate Resources Service Area Governance & Commissioning Hours Approx. eight to ten days (or part days) per year Number of Jobs 1 Location(s) Across Kirklees Position type Voluntary Grade Voluntary position Salary Annual Allowance (£500) Advert Wording
Location: Various Venues in Kirklees
Appointment of Independent Person (voluntary position)
1. Are you Fair-minded?
2. Are you able to form impartial views from the evidence before you?
3. Are you interested in becoming involved when complaints are made about the conduct of elected Councillors?
Local authorities have a duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by their elected councillors and co-opted members.
The Council is required by law (the Localism Act 2011) to put procedures in place for handling complaints about the conduct of members of Kirklees Council and the Town and Parish Councils in Kirklees. These procedures must include the involvement of at least one person independent of the Council, (the Independent Person) whose views must be sought before a decision is made in relation to any complaint alleging a breach of the Members Code of Conduct that the Council has decided to investigate.
The advice, and opinion of the Independent Person may be sought in relation to other aspects of the members’ complaints procedure and any member who is the subject of a Code of Conduct complaint may also seek the advice and guidance of the Independent Person.
It is important that the Independent Person has the profile and experience that the community would recognise and respect as bringing an independent, objective, impartial and informed perspective to the member complaints process. If you have experience in developing or interpreting codes of conduct, that would be an advantage as would knowledge of local government and the need for propriety in the public sector.
The extent to which the services of the successful applicant(s) will be called upon cannot be foreseen with any certainty. However, it is not expected to exceed 8 to 10 days or part days per year.
Training will be given and a reasonable allowancewill be paid. A Kirklees laptop and email address, with access to IT support, will also be provided.
Ideally you should:
4. Have a good understanding of the ethical standards required of people holding a public office and the impact of ethical issues within a local authority context;
5. Have a keen interest in standards in public life;
6. Have a wish to serve the local community and uphold democracy;
7. Demonstrate high standards of public integrity;
8. Be objective and impartial;
9. Have experience of dealing with complaints and customer care issues in the public or private sector.
Are you eligible to apply?
To ensure your voice is truly independent, you cannot apply for this role if within the last five years you:
10. Are or have been a member, co-opted member or employee of Kirklees Council or any Parish or Town Council within the district; or
11. Are or have been a relative (as defined in the legislation) or close friend of a current member, co-opted member, or employee of Kirklees Council or any Parish or Town Council within the district of Kirklees; or
12. Have had a public profile in party politics; or
13. Have been convicted of a criminal offence (not counting minor traffic offences); or
14. Are subject to potential conflicts of interest, such as a contractual relationship with the Council as supplier etc.
The Council is committed to equality of opportunity in selection regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability or sexuality.
To apply for this role click on 'Apply'
If you require further information regarding this role, please contact David Stickley by calling 01484 221000 or emailing
Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by the Monitoring Officer and either the Chair of the Standards Committee or a Group Business Manager.
David Stickley is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.