Independent Person for Standards

<p><b>Appointment of Two Independent Persons</b></p>
<p>Sheffield City Council, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and South Yorkshire Fire Authority are seeking to appoint two Independent Persons under the Localism Act 2011 to assist all three organisations in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct by Councillors and Co-opted members of the Councils and by Councillors of the Town and Parish Councils.</p>
<p>The Independent Person’s views will be sought and taken into account by the Council’s before they make a decision on an allegation that a Councillor or Co-opted member has breached the Members’ Code of Conduct. Their views may also be sought by the person whose behaviour is the subject of an allegation.</p>
<p>An Independent Person should have the following qualities:</p>
<ul>
<li>a keen interest in standards in public life</li>
<li>a wish to serve the local community and uphold local democracy</li>
<li>high standards of personal integrity</li>
<li>the ability to be objective, independent and impartial</li>
<li>sound questioning, analytical and decision-making skills</li>
<li>leadership qualities, particularly in exercising sound judgment</li>
<li>good interpersonal and communication skills</li>
</ul>
<p>There are restrictions on who can apply and these are set out in the application pack.</p>
<p>Appointments will be for a term of four years. An annual allowance of £787.04 will be payable, together with reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses.</p>