Maldon District Council is seeking an 'independent person' to play a role in ensuring that ethics and standards are maintained.

The selected candidate would not be employed in the role, but would have an allowance of £1,013 annually paid in monthly instalments.

The authority is also looking for a reserve independent person, though no allowance would be paid for this role.

The role involves work with both the district and parish and town councils across the district, with the independent person invited to sit on standards committees where there is an investigation of an alleged breach of the code of conduct, as well as giving advice to the council and councillors on complaints. They could also be called upon to join discussions on ethical standards and whether or not a complaint requires further investigation.

Whoever applies will need to look at the list of those unable to take up the role by law, which includes:

-members or co-opted members or officers of the council or a

parish/town council in the council's area

-relatives or close friends of such a person

-members or co-opted members or officers of the council or a

parish/town council in the council's area in the previous five years.

In the list of essential qualities, being a good and tactful communicator is high up the list, as well as not being a member of any political party. Open-mindedness is also called for.

Having involvement with or knowledge of the public or voluntary sector is desirable, too.

Anyone wishing to apply for the post should send their CV and a covering letter to Simon Quelch, Monitoring Officer at

the email address here by 5pm on 11 January 2021. There is also a link available to the full job advert and application details on the Maldon District Council website by following the link

here.