Sandwell Council is looking to appoint two independent persons to sit on its Ethical Standards and Member Development Committee to assist it in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct amongst its elected members and co-opted members.

The council is required under the Localism Act 2011 to appoint at least one independent person to assist with dealing with complaints made against elected members and co-opted members. It already has one independent person appointed and would like to appoint an additional two independent persons.

One of the primary functions of the role is to provide views on a complaint against a member before the council takes a decision on any allegations made and whether to investigate them.

The independent person may also be consulted on other standards matters, including by a councillor who is subject to an allegation, how the council can promote and maintain high standards of conduct and how member training and development can be enhanced for members.

The independent person may also be required to sit on the Chief Officers Terms and Conditions Committee in the event that disciplinary action is required in respect of a chief officer (in accordance with the Local Authorities Regulations 2015).

Relevant training will be provided for the role and out of pocket expenses will be payable.

For more information about the role and an application pack telephone Trisha Newton, Democratic Services Unit on 0121 569 3193 or email trisha_newton@sandwell.gov.uk.

You can download an application form here: https://www.wmjobs.co.uk/job/68600/independent-persons-for-the-ethical-standards-and-member-development-committee/

The closing date for the submission of applications is 12pm on Monday 17 February.