Independent Persons - Coleford, United Kingdom - Forest of Dean District Council

Tom O´Connor

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Tom O´Connor

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INDEPENDENT PERSON

A role under the Localism Act 2011 to help us maintain high standards of Member Conduct


We are looking for someone with political awareness but without political affiliations, with a keen interest in local governance and a commitment to high standards and ethics in public life, to act as an Independent Person to assist our Monitoring Officer and Standards Panel.

You must be independent minded but be able to work as part of a team.


The Localism Act 2011 requires Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC) to put in place arrangements to promote and maintain high standards of conduct amongst its Elected Members.

These arrangements include a Code of Conduct for Members and a procedure for dealing with complaints about potential failures to comply with this Code of Conduct by Members of FODDC and Parish and Town Councils within the Forest of Dean District.

Our Constitution can be viewed on the following link.

The Members Code of Conduct is set out at pages and arrangements for dealing with complaints at pages :

As part of the arrangements for dealing with complaints the Localism Act 2011 requires FODDC to appoint at least one Independent Person to carry out the following functions:

Independent Persons have two statutory roles:

  • The Independent Person's views must be sought and taken into account by the Council before it makes its decision on an allegation it has decided to investigate.
  • The Council may also seek the Independent Person's views on an allegation that it has not decided to investigate.


Furthermore, a member or co-opted member of the Council (or of a Parish Council in the area) may seek the Independent Person's views on an allegation made against them.


The other aspect of the statutory role is to offer advice, views or recommendations on any proposal to dismiss a Statutory Officer and participate in the proceedings of the District Council's Appointments Committee when dealing with Statutory Officer dismissal matters.


Support will be provided by the Council's Monitoring Officer, who will arrange any necessary training and provide such information and assistance as is necessary to enable the Independent Person(s) to perform the role effectively.


You should have:

  • Live within the Forest of Dean District area
  • An interest in public service, particularly local government
  • An interest in local issues
  • Experience in committee working (preferably)
  • A high level of personal integrity which inspires public confidence
  • An ability to work as part of a team and comply with confidentiality requirements
  • The ability to be objective, openminded and impartial
  • Good analytical, communication and interpersonal skills
If you are interested in being considered, please send a CV and covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) detailing your skills, knowledge and experience that are applicable to the role to:
Sian Roxborough

Monitoring Officer

Forest of Dean District Council

Council Offices,

High Street,

Coleford Glos GL16 8HG

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