Want to help set standards for Bromley Council?

Standards Committee – Two Independent member vacancies

The Council’s Standards Committee has responsibility for promoting and maintaining high levels of conduct for councillors and others serving on Council committees. The Committee
 Hears and decides on complaints about councillors
 Provides advice on the code of conduct and good practice in relation to ethics and probity
 Promotes and monitors ethical governance Council-wide

The Standards Committee has ten members (five councillors and five independent members, one of whom chairs the Committee). The Council needs to appoint to two of these independent member positions by May 2010.

The Council has recently been shortlisted for a prestigious local government award for its innovative work on standards and ethics;
this is a great opportunity to join the Committee and make an active contribution to the standards of public life in Bromley.

What would your role be?
To provide an independent and impartial presence on the committee, and at any complaints hearings you are involved in, reflecting the views and expectations of local people about how your councillors and the organisation should behave.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate
 Independent and analytical thinking
 Tact and good interpersonal skills
 Ability to give reasoned advice
 An understanding of ethics and probity issues

Ideally you will live or work in the Borough. You should be over 18, and of good character.

You cannot serve if you
 Have been a councillor or officer of Bromley Council in the last 8 years
 Are a relative or close friend of a Bromley councillor or officer
 Have an active involvement in a political party or the management of a local lobbying group

This is an unpaid role. We will normally appoint for a term of up to four years.

The closing date for applications is Friday 12th February 2010; we will be planning to interview shortlisted candidates on Monday 8th March.