Northumberland County Council are currently looking to appoint to two positions both
of which make a vital contribution to the promotion and operation of the authority’s
elected members’ ethical framework which covers not only County Council members
but all of the members of the Parish and Town Councils in Northumberland.
1. Independent Chair
The Independent Chair provides an impartial presence on our Standards Committee
and will provide leadership in respect of the elected members’ ethical framework
throughout the county. It is an opportunity to make a contribution to the fairness and
integrity of the authority. The Committee is made up of eight County Council elected
members, three parish council representatives in addition to the Independent Chair.
2. Independent Person
The Independent Person is a statutory position which is designed to provide a further
level of independence and objectivity to the assessment of complaints made against
elected members, working closely with the Monitoring Officer and the Council’s
Standards Committee. The Council may appoint more than one Independent Person.
Both positions attract an annual allowance of £2,700, paid monthly in instalments
with a term of appointment of two years which may be renewed.
The estimated time commitment required to undertake the roles will vary. On
average they will both involve attendance at four daytime Committee meetings per
year plus associated preparatory work/reading, although it may be necessary to
attend other meetings from time to time. In addition the Independent Person will be
expected to meet with the Monitoring Officer on an infrequent basis to consider such
complaints as may be received from time to time.
About these positions
Independent Chair Recruitment Pack
Independent Chair Application Form
Independent Person Recruitment Pack
Independent Person Application Form
004626\01362256
How to apply
Please submit a completed application form in respect of the relevant position
demonstrating how you meet each of the criteria in the Person Specification
and send by post or e-mail to
Liam Henry, Monitoring Officer,
Northumberland County Council
County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF,
Legal.services@northumberland.gov.uk by 8 th October 2019.
Please also include the contact details of two referees.