Job description: Independent person for standards

Job purpose

The authority’s Independent Person for the purposes of Section 28(7) of the Localism Act 2011 will assist the authority and its members to deal with any allegation that a member has breached the Authority’s Code of Conduct.  

Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority and Kent County Council operates a jointly adopted Code of Conduct. 

Main duties and responsibilities 

  1. To advise the Authority before it takes its decision on any allegation that it has investigated that a Member has breached the Authority’s Code of Conduct. 
  2. To advise the Authority on any allegation that a Member has breached the Authority’s Code of Conduct, in other circumstances at its request. 
  3. To advise their view where consulted by any elected member of the Authority who is the subject of an allegation that he or she has breached the Authority’s Code of Conduct. 
  4. To reach balanced and reasoned conclusions having considered complex material and applied an impartial and fair approach to all of the written and oral material provided. 
  5. To undertake any training where required that enables effective performance of the role. 
  6. To attend meetings of KCC and KMFRA when required.
  7. To participate in any forums established for Independent Persons.
  8. The person appointed as an Independent Person must: 
  • be committed to the need for high standards in public life; 
  • demonstrate that they can remain independent in their thinking and decision making; 
  • be able to make judgments based on evidence or information presented;
  • be able to work within an area of public life which is open and transparent.

Knowledge, skills and experience

  • Good understanding of the ethical standards required of people holding public office and the impact of ethical issues within a local authority context;
  • A calm, rational approach to problem solving which considers detailed evidence to reach a balanced judgement;
  • Good interpersonal skills, demonstrated through a considered, measured and consultative approach when dealing with potentially difficult or complex issue;
  • High degree of personal integrity;
  • Experience in dealing with difficult issues which need constructive and sensitive solutions;
  • Experience of partnership working, where politically or ethically sensitive issues have had to be considered;
  • Experience of dealing with issues of ethical conduct in employment or public service.