20 October 2010
Eastbourne Borough Council is currently recruiting for an independent representative on its Standards Committee as part of its ongoing drive to maintain and promote high standards of member conduct.
The Standards Committee was set up by the Local Government Act 2000 in order to ensure high standards of conduct by elected and co-opted Members of the Council.
The Committee has a number of functions which include promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct by Councillors, co-opted members and representatives on outside bodies.
They also maintain the operation of the Members' Code of Conduct and make initial assessment of complaints, conducting hearings at which those complaints are determined.
Eastbourne Borough Council's Standards Committee is composed of six elected councillors and three independent members. The Standards Committee meets at least four times a year whilst its Sub-Committees meet between those times.
Strict rules require the independent members to be independent of any political party and of local government. To safeguard the integrity and independence of the Standards Committee, the appointee must be equipped to maintain high standards of impartiality. Experience of Committee work and an interest in probity and ethical issues are highly desirable as is an interest in the changing framework for ethical standards.
Application packs are available from Member Services at Eastbourne Borough Council while the Lawyer to the Council and Monitoring Officer is happy to discuss the role informally with potential applicants.
An allowance is payable to the successful applicant, who may be required to Chair the Standards Committee.
Return date for receipt of applications is Monday, 8th November, 2010 at 12.00 noon. It is proposed that interviews will take place on Monday, 15th November, 2010.
