East Cambridgeshire District Council is looking to appoint an ‘Independent Person’ to help councillors throughout the district keep to the highest of standards.

Under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011, the authority must appoint an ‘Independent Person’ to assist the District Council in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct amongst its elected Members and Town and Parish Councillors.

The ‘Independent Person’ will have a number of jobs from being consulted on the decision to investigate complaints to speaking to a Councillor who is subject to an allegation.

The Council is looking to recruit one lead ‘Independent Person’ and a deputy. A fixed allowance of £750 is payable annually together with travel and subsistence expenses for the Lead ‘Independent Person’ and £400 annually as well as travel and subsistence expenses for the deputy.

The appointment will be made by Full Council on 14 May 2013 and take effect from 2 July 2013 for two years, subject to ratification at the Council’s Annual Meeting in May each year.

Jeanette Thompson, Head of Legal Services at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "All local councils have a Code of Conduct which sets out what is expected of local councillors. When there is an allegation that a councillor has breached the Code, the Independent Person will help assess if there has been a breach. If you are interested in helping to monitor high standards in public life, serve the local community and uphold local democracy - whether you know anything about Local Government or not - then we would welcome your application."

For further details, including an application pack, please visit the Council’s website & download: www.eastcambs.gov.uk

For further information, please contact: Tracy Couper, Principal Democratic Services Officer, e-mail: tracy.couper@eastcambs.gov.uk Telephone: 01353 665555.

Applications must be sent to Tracy Couper, Principal Democratic Services Officer, East Cambridgeshire District Council, The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4EE

The closing date for submission of applications is Friday 12 April 2013 with interviews being held in the week beginning Monday 22 April 2013.