The Role
We are looking to appoint up to two ‘Independent Persons’ to provide an important service to Tameside Council and contribute to maintaining the high ethical standards of the authority.
The appointment of independent members for the purposes of consultation is required by the standards provisions in the Localism Act 2011.
The role will require the successful applicants to be available for consultation if an allegation of breach of the Code of Conduct is received by the Council and to attend meetings, as required, of the relevant Committees to discuss and contribute to wider ethical and governance issues.
The Independent Persons will liaise, as necessary, with Tameside Council’s Monitoring Officer (in accordance with the Council’s complaints procedure) to consider complaints against Members and offer their impartial views on the respective case, including any investigations undertaken.
The Independent Persons may also advise the Council’s Standards Committee or its sub-committee in the consideration and discussion of wider ethical and governance issues affecting the Council, as they relate to elected Members of the Council as well as any matter referred to it resulting from a formal complaint.
In addition, as part of a Panel of at least two Independent Persons, the successful applicant will be required to advise the Full Council in the event of any disciplinary action being proposed against the Head of the Paid Service, the Monitoring Officer or the Chief Finance Officer.
In accordance with the Localism Act 2011, the Council must promote and maintain high standards of conduct by members and co-opted members of the authority. The Council has therefore adopted a Code of Conduct for Members and has agreed arrangements for dealing with any allegation that a member Mossley Town Parish Council or co-opted member has breached the code. These arrangements include the appointment of one or more Independent Person(s) to advise on breaches of the Member Code of Conduct.
About You
The Independent Person:
- Will be consulted if an allegation of a breach of the Members’ Code of Conduct is received by the Monitoring Officer and offer his/her impartial views and independent perspective on the case, including any investigations undertaken.
- Advise the Council prior to any decision to investigate an allegation or complaint relating to whether a member has failed to comply with the Code of Conduct.
- Provide advice at meetings of the Standards Committee contributing their own perspective to the meeting’s informed discussion and debate.
- May be consulted by a member or co-opted member of the Council against whom an allegation or complaint has been made.
As part of the statutory role, the Independent Person will also be available for consultation by any Council (and Mossley Town/Parish Council) member who is the subject of an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct.
This is a voluntary role subject to appointment by full Council for a period of 4 years, but an annual fee of £750 per annum will be paid plus any reasonable expenses incurred whilst carrying out the role.
Expressions of interest setting out your reasons for applying, how you meet the person specification, together with your curriculum vitae and details of two referees, should be sent by email to [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 4pm on Monday 24 August 2026.
