Standards Committee - Independent Member

The council will be looking for independent members to join the council's standards committee, which has a key role in high standards of office and hears complaints of misconduct against councillors.  If you are interested, please contact us and we'll send you an application form.

Can you help set standards for councillors in Southwark?

The standards committee consists of elected councillors and independent members who are appointed by the council. The committee has a key role in overseeing the delivery of high standards of behaviour by councillors and advising on good practice in relation to ethics and probity. It is responsible for promoting and developing high standards of conduct and considers complaints against councillors. The committee is chaired by an independent member.

Role of the independent member

Independent members provide an independent and impartial presence on our standards committee. It is an opportunity to make a real contribution to the fairness and integrity of the council. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate

• An independent and analytical mind
• Tact and good interpersonal skills
• Ability to give clear and reasoned advice
• An understanding of diversity and other issues affecting inner city areas like Southwark

Independent members are able to claim subsistence and travel expenses, with an annual allowance of £1,061 also payable. The term of office is three years.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, you can read more in the information booklet (pdf 926kb) (which includes the job description and person specification) and complete the application form (doc 93.5kb).

Alternatively please telephone the constitutional team on 020 7525 7236 between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday if you wish for an information booklet and application form to be posted to you.

The selection process will commence later in 2008. 

Eligibility

You should not:

• have been a member or officer of Southwark Council in the last five years
• be a relative or close friend of a Southwark member or officer
• be a member or officer of any other local authority
• have any unspent criminal convictions.

Contact us

Ian Millichap
Constitutional Team Manager
Tel: 020 7525 7236
Fax: 020 7525 7284  
ian.millichap@southwark.gov.uk
Southwark Town Hall
Peckham Road 
London
SE5 8UB