“WHY NOT YOU?” BABERGH SEEKS MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC TO SERVE ON STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Babergh District Council is on the lookout for one new independent member of its Standards Committee and is promoting the recruitment campaign with the message “Why not you?”.

The Standards Committee exists to ensure the conduct of Babergh Councillors and staff, as well as Town and Parish Council representatives within the district, meets the highest standards possible. It comprises a number of members - including two independent ones drawn from the wider community.

From next April onwards, it will be given broader powers whereby all complaints against Councillors will be initially referred to the Committee, which will then decide whether to pass them onto Babergh’s Monitoring Officer for investigation.

“This is an important but not heavy duty role,” explained Committee Chairman, Cllr. Penny Clarke. “As members are only expected to attend about four fixed meetings per year – plus additional ones as needed and some training sessions.”

The new appointment will be for two years and, although on a voluntary basis, travel and subsistence costs will be paid. The present vacancy has been caused by the existing independent member being elected to Babergh District Council in May this year.

In order to ensure the independence of this role, anyone who is an existing Councillor or officer at Babergh, or any other relevant public authority, or is a close friend or relative of any Councillor or Council officer, cannot be considered.

Cllr. Clarke added: “The ideal candidate would have both a proven interest and commitment to promoting high ethical standards and the ability to make carefully considered judgements in dealing with any complaints.

“If you think you might have the skills and experience, don’t leave it to others. Why not you?”

Further information and application forms are available from Babergh’s website (www.babergh.gov.uk and click on Jobs in the left hand navigation bar) or by emailing jobs@babergh.gov.uk