Independent Members - Standards Committee

Can you help set standards for councillors in Southwark?

We are looking for up to four independent members to join the council’s standards committee.

The committee

The committee consists of elected councillors and independent members who are appointed by the council. The committee has a key role in overseeing the delivery of high standards of behaviour by councillors and advising on good practice in relation to ethics and probity. It is responsible for promoting and developing high standards of conduct and considers complaints against councillors. The committee is chaired by an independent member.

The role of the independent member

Independent members provide an independent and impartial presence on our standards committee. It is an opportunity to make a real contribution to the fairness and integrity of the council. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
• An independent and analytical mind
• Tact and good interpersonal skills
• Ability to give clear and reasoned advice
• An understanding of diversity and other issues affecting inner-city areas like Southwark.

Independent members are able to claim subsistence and travel expenses, with an annual allowance of £1,061 also payable. The term of office is three years.

Eligibility

You should not:-
• have been a member or officer of Southwark Council in the last five years
• be a relative or close friend of a Southwark member or officer
• be a member or officer of any other local authority
• have any unspent criminal convictions.