Agenda item

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – LEGAL AND COMMUNITY AND MONITORING OFFICER

This report seeks approval to appoint an Independent Person (‘IP’), and two Reserve IPs for a period of up to 4 years (as per the recommendation below) 2 years and potential extension for a further 2 years), such appointments to take effect from 24 September 2024.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Appointed Nicholas Moss OBE as Independent Person, Patrick Hodson as Reserve Independent Person, and Stephen Tant as Reserve Independent Person.

(2)   Delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Standards Committee, the decision (if the current Independent Person decides within term to resign/ unable to act/ no longer qualifies), to appoint one of the existing Reserve Independent Persons as the Independent Person and/ or to undertake any further recruitment, as may be required.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council’s Standards processes can operate in accordance with legislative requirements if one or both IP and Reserve IPs are unable to advise on a matter. This should also allow for a degree of succession planning/ training whilst experienced persons are in place.

Audio recording – 3 hours 36 minutes 6 seconds

N.B. Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham left the Chamber at 23:06 and did not return. Councillor Jon Clayden left the Chamber and returned at 23:09.

N.B. Councillor Caroline McDonnell left the Chamber at 23:08 and returned at 23:10, Councillor Tom Tyson left the Chamber at 23:08 and returned at 23:11 and Councillor Steven Patmore left the Chamber at 23:08 and returned at 23:10.

Councillor Alistair Willoughby presented the report entitled ‘Appointment of Independent and Reserve Independent Persons’ and advised that:

·       The reasons for the Standards Committee having an Independent Persons and the duties undertaken by the Independent Person were highlighted in paragraph 8.2 of the report.

·       An Independent Person was appointed for a 4 year term.

·       There was a high level of interest in the role and 17 applications were received, this resulted in 8 people being shortlisted.

·       To be appointed as an Independent Person the applicants had been required to complete an application form, attend an interview and supply satisfactory refences.

·       The relevant work history for the applicants was detailed in paragraph 8.1 of the report.

·       Appreciation was given to the two outgoing Reserve Independent Persons, John Richardson and Peter Chapman.

In response to a question from Councillor Laura Williams, Councillor Willoughby stated that a wider diversity of applicants was desired and that 2 females were shortlisted for interview. However, one did not accept the interview invitation and one failed to attend the interview. There would be some work around attracting a more diverse pool of applicants prior to advertising the role again in the future.

Councillor Muncer stated that he looked forwarded to working with the appointees and marvelled at their experience.

Councillor Daneil Allen stated that Nicholas Moss was a fantastic choice as were the other appointments and reiterated the need for diversity.

Councillor Ruth Brown stated that she was confident of the selection process and thanked those who stepped down. The role of Independent Person was important as they supported Councillors when complaints were made.

On behalf of the Council, the Chair placed on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to John Richardson and Peter Chapman for their valuable service to the Standards Committee.

Councillor Alistair Willoughby proposed and Councillor Ralph Muncer seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Appointed Nicholas Moss OBE as Independent Person, Patrick Hodson as Reserve Independent Person, and Stephen Tant as Reserve Independent Person.

(2)   Delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Standards Committee, the decision (if the current Independent Person decides within term to resign/ unable to act/ no longer qualifies), to appoint one of the existing Reserve Independent Persons as the Independent Person and/ or to undertake any further recruitment, as may be required.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council’s Standards processes can operate in accordance with legislative requirements if one or both Independent Person and Reserve Independent Persons are unable to advise on a matter. This should also allow for a degree of succession planning/ training whilst experienced persons are in place.