Independent person to help maintain standards

The council is looking for someone with an interest in local governance and a commitment to high standards and ethics in public life to act as an "independent person" assisting its monitoring officer and standards committee.

The council's standards committee is responsible for assessing complaints about borough and parish councillors and deciding what action, if any, to take. It also advises the council on ethical standards, monitors the effectiveness of its code of conduct and promotes high standards of behaviour among local politicians.

Ribble Valley Borough Council's chief executive, Marshal Scott, said: "The council has a duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct among its elected members and we are looking for an independent person to assist us in this important work.

"In the event of an allegation against a member, co-opted member or parish councillor, the council's standards committee will seek the views of the independent person as part of its investigation. The independent person's views may also be sought by the person who is the subject of the allegation."

Prospective candidates should have committee experience, a high level of integrity, the ability to work as part of a team, be objective, independent and impartial, and have good analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.

The post is not open to borough or parish councillors, council officers, or their relatives and close friends. Although an unpaid role, travel expenses for attendance at meetings will be paid.

The closing date for applications is 8 June. See Appointement Of An Independent Person To Assist The Standards Committee for vacancy information and to apply online. Or, application packs are available on 01200 425111. For an informal chat, speak to the council's head of legal and democratic services, Diane Rice.