Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer  which informed members of the decision to extend the term of office of the two Independent Persons until 21 September 2021. 

The report also invited members to consider the recruitment of Independent Persons to take place prior to the expiry of the term of office of the existing Independent Persons on 21 September 2021 and any revision to the duration of the term of office for future appointments (for copy see file of minutes).

The Committee welcomed the proposal. 

Councillor E Bell referred to the proposed two-year term of office and suggested it may be useful for training for the Independent Persons to include ‘mock’ Standards Committee meetings.  The Monitoring Officer responded this could be incorporated into the induction programme for Independent Persons.  She added that in addition to the quarterly ordinary meetings of the Standards Committee, there is close liaison with the Independent Persons, and, informal meetings are held to discuss issues arising.

Resolved:

That:

(a)          the decision of the Corporate Director of Resources to extend the term of office to 21 September 2021 be noted.

(b)          that the following be recommended for approval to full Council:

                                   i.      that a recruitment exercise be undertaken for the appointment of two Independent Persons and that this be conducted by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services (Monitoring Officer), the Deputy Monitoring Officer and the Chair of the Standards Committee; and

                                  ii.      that the term of office and re-appointment of Independent Persons be brought in line with the recommendations of the Committee for Standards in Public Life to a two-year term of office which is limited to one reappointment only; and

                                 iii.      that a further report be presented to Council seeking to appoint two new Independent Persons.