Issue - meetings
Recruitment of Independent Person - Update (To Follow)
Meeting: 16/04/2013 - Standards Advisory Committee (Item 4)
Recruitment of Independent Person - Update (To Follow)
Minutes:
Mr John Williams, Service Head Democratic Services, gave an oral report, in which he:
· Summarised the background of the ‘Independent Person’ (IP) role introduced nationally under the new ‘standards regime resulting from the Localism Act 2011, and additional dimensions to the role specific to Tower Hamlets.
· Highlighted the nature of the candidate required for the role of IP, as specified in Government guidance, and the provision for transition arrangements whilst recruiting the IP.
· Summarised progress to date on implementing the timetable for IP recruitment agreed by the SAC in July 2012:
o An initial advert for the IP role, placed in October 2012, yielded no response.
o The role was currently being re-advertised in East End Life and the East London Advertiser; and, without pre-determining the recruitment process, given that applications for the role had been received, the agreed recruitment process could now be implemented after the closing date of 26th April.
· Outlined the next steps in the recruitment process: longlisting of candidates in consultation with the Interim IP Mr Barry O’Connor, subsequent interview by a panel comprised of SAC members and concluding with a recommendation to full Council of an appointment.
A discussion followed which focused on clarification being sought and given on the following points:-
· The nature and extent of the Authority’s efforts to attract suitable applicants for the role of IP, and inform organisations with a significant membership of suitable applicants such as Council of Voluntary Services and Chambers of Commerce. The Communications Service had targeted community organisations in addition to using the general media.
· Whether SAC or full Council would approve the formal appointment of an IP, the term of the appointment and the whether the agreed timetable for recruitment would result in an IP being in place by the next SAC meeting in July 2013. Full Council would approve any appointment, the term of office was 3 years and an IP should be in place by the next SAC meeting together with a reserve IP able to act if the IP could not act due to a conflict of interest.
The Chair Moved, and it was:-
Resolved:
That the contents of the oral report be noted.