Volunteer sought to become first Independent Person
Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire & Wrekin Fire Authority are searching for a member of the public to become the borough’s first ever Independent Person – a new role to help in overseeing the behaviour and conduct of councillors in the borough.
This follows changes nationally to the way that councils deal with complaints about councillors, whether they sit on Telford & Wrekin, a town or parish council or as members of the Fire Authority.
Under new rules, the Council and Fire Authority have set up their own processes and procedures for deciding how to deal with standards issues concerning councillors or Fire Authority members– previously this was decided using national guidance.
The Independent Person will help oversee these new arrangements as well as being consulted on decisions to investigate complaints against councillors and any decision on an investigated complaint. They may also be consulted by councillors during the complaint process.
The role is unpaid but expenses will be met.
Telford & Wrekin’s Monitoring Officer Jonathan Eatough, said: “This is an important role for someone with a keen interest in public life and the ability to be objective, independent and impartial.
“They will play an important part in holding local democracy to account, serving the community and promoting the highest standards of behaviour that the public expect from the councillors that they elect.”
Full details about the post can be found at can be found at www.telford.gov.uk/indepdendentperson
