Independent Person

Test Valley Borough Council Independent Person

Test Valley Borough Council are looking to appoint Independent Persons to play an important role in promoting and maintaining high ethical standards.

The role of Independent Person is an essential part of the Council’s Ethical Governance Framework. They are required to support the Council’s Monitoring Officer and the General Purposes Employment Appeals and Ethics Sub-Committee in their work to uphold the standards of conduct required of councillors in carrying out their duties.

The Independent Person may be consulted by the Council’s Monitoring Officer when they are considering complaints against borough parish or town councillors. They may also be consulted by a councillor who is the subject of a complaint.

The appointment will be for a fixed term of 3 years. There is no remuneration for this role, though travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Independent Person Specification

The ideal candidate will possess the below qualities

• A keen interest and commitment to maintaining high standards in public life.
• An interest in and awareness of standards in public life in particular the role of elected councillors and the relevant Codes of Conduct.
• Independence, impartiality and experience of exercising sound objective judgements in relation to complex matters
• Excellent questioning, analytical and evaluation skills
• A commitment to promoting equality and an awareness of the issues our community
• Experience of dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.

The Independent Person cannot be:

• A borough councillor, co-opted member or employee of the Test Valley Borough Council; or have held such a post within the previous 5 years.
• a Town/Parish Councillor, co-opted member, or officer of a Town/Parish Council within the borough;
• A relative or close friend of such a person; or associated with a particular a political party.

Background Information:

• Under the provisions of Section 28 of the Localism Act 2011, Test Valley Borough Council is required to appoint at least one independent person to assist in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct by Councillors of the Council and of Town/Parish Councils within the Borough.
• Independent Persons may be consulted on decisions to investigate complaints and before a decision is made on an investigated complaint. The Independent Person may also be consulted on other related matters, and their views may be sought by a Councillor who is the subject of a complaint.
• In addition to matters relating to the conduct of Councillors, the appointed Independent Person will also be consulted on disciplinary matters relating to the Council’s Statutory Officers.

The closing date for applications is 20 March. Interviews will be held on the 30 March or 1 April 2026.

If you are interested in the role, application forms can be obtained by emailing Emma Silverton esilverton@testvalley.gov.uk or by phoning 01264 368001. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Karen Dunn on 01264 368401 or kdunn@testvalley.gov.uk