APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PERSON

Localism Act 2011

 

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is looking to appoint an Independent Person to assist the Council’s Monitoring Officer in assessing complaints of alleged misconduct by Elected Members and Co-opted Members of MBC and Parish Councils within the borough.

The Council is required by the Localism Act 2011 to have a Member Code of Conduct setting out the standards of behaviour expected of its Members. It also requires the Council to have in place arrangements for handling complaints about the conduct of Members. These arrangements must include the involvement of at least one person independent of the Council, who is consulted for an independent and impartial view prior to a decision is made on what to do.

MBC is looking for someone who has a keen interest in matters of probity and integrity and can bring an impartial and objective perspective, possesses good communication skills and is able to work as part of a team.

There are restrictions on who can apply.  These include that they must not be someone who:

  • Has been an elected or co-opted Member of Maidstone Borough Council or any of the Parish Councils within its area within the last five years
  • Has been an elected or co-opted Member of any Committee or Sub-Committee of the Borough Council or of any of the Parish Councils within its area within the last five years

·         Is a relative or a close friend of a current elected or co-opted Member or officer of the Council or any Parish Council within its area, or of any elected of co-opted Member of any Committee or Sub-Committee of such Council

It is the intention of the Council to appoint 1 Independent Person and a Reserve Independent Person who would be called upon to give a view on Member conduct complaints when the Independent Person is not available.

The appointment will come into effect on 1 August 2021 for an initial period of four years, with the possibility that the period may be extended. Appropriate training will be given. The position is purely voluntary and there is no salary attached to it. However, the Council currently pays an annual allowance of £749 and will reimburse reasonable travel and subsistence expenses.

If you are interested in being an Independent Person please contact Patricia Narebor Monitoring Officer for more information.  For an application form please contact Gina Clarke on gina.clarke@midkent.gov.uk.

Please telephone: 01789 260400 or email: patricia.narebor@midkent.gov.uk

Closing Date: 5 March 2021            Interviews to be held 30 March 2021