Issue - meetings

Report of the Monitoring Officer

Members considered a report presented by the Monitoring Officer in relation to the position of Independent Person to assist with the Standards process until the end of September 2025.

Under the Localism Act 2011, the Council was required to appoint Independent Persons who must be consulted by the Authority before a decision was taken on a complaint against a Member, and who may be consulted by the Member and at any other time by the Authority.

In addition, the Independent Persons may also be involved in any disciplinary action against any of the three statutory officers, those being the Head of Paid Service, the Chief Finance Officer and the Monitoring Officer.

To be appointed, an Independent Person must go through a recruitment process and not have been a Member, co-opted member or officer of the Authority or a parish council in the District or be a relative or close friend of any such person.  They also cannot have been a Member or officer of the District or parish council in the last five years.

At the Meeting of Council held in September 2017, it was agreed to appoint Ian Kirk to this role for a four year term.  This term was due to expire on 14th September 2021 and it was considered, in the Monitoring Officer’s opinion, that Ian Kirk continue to be an ideal candidate for the role, and on that basis should be offered a further four year term of engagement to carry out this service to the Authority.

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Steve Fritchley

RESOLVED that Ian Kirk be appointed as an Independent Person to assist with the Standards process until the end of September 2025.

(Monitoring Officer)