Independent Persons: Councillor Code of Conduct Complaints

West Northamptonshire Council has a duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct amongst its councillors and co-opted members. The Council's Code of Conduct sets out what is expected of councillors and co-opted members.

If a complaint is made that a councillor or co-opted member may have failed to comply with the Code of Conduct, the Council is required to seek the views of one of its Independent Persons in accordance with the terms of the Localism Act 2011. An Independent Person’s views may also be sought by the person subject to the complaint before a decision is made.

About you

We are looking for Independent Persons who can interpret the code of conduct, balance differing views and bring an independent and informed perspective to the investigative process. You will be expected to read and digest complaints and investigation reports, liaise with the Council's Monitoring Officer, councillors and co-opted members.

Knowledge of local government and/or conduct issues may be an advantage, but full training will be provided. An allowance of £600 per year is payable and appointments are usually made for a period of four years.

Requirements of the role

An Independent Person will have:

• a keen interest in standards in public life
• a wish to serve the local community and uphold local democracy
• the ability to be objective, independent and impartial
• sound decision making skills
• leadership qualities, particularly in respect of exercising sound judgement

An Independent Person will:

• be a person in whose impartiality and integrity the public can have confidence
• understand and comply with confidentiality requirements
• have a demonstrable interest in local issues
• have an awareness of the importance of ethical behaviours
• be a good communicator

Desirable additional criteria are:

• working knowledge/experience of local government or other public service and/or of large complex organisations and awareness of and sensitivity to the political process
• knowledge, past experience and understanding of judicial/quasi, judicial or complaints processes

Full requirements are set out in the information pack below.

You should demonstrate in your application how you meet the above criteria as this will assist the short-listing process. Means of assessment will be by application form and by interview.

You will be required to be contactable during normal working hours by telephone or by email and to be available to attending training and/or hearings from time-to-time. You will usually be given a few weeks’ notice of any hearings.

Eligibility criteria

A person cannot be appointed as an Independent Person if they are, or were within a period of 5 years prior to the appointment, a:

• councillor, co-opted member or officer of the Council or one of its predecessors
• councillor, co-opted member or officer of a town or parish council in the Council’s area
• relative or close friend of either of the above

How to apply

To apply for the role, please complete the online application form.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Paul Hanson, Head of Democratic and Electoral Services.

• e-mail: [email protected]

The closing date for submission of applications is Saturday 28 February 2026. Interviews will be held in the week beginning Monday 9 March 2026.

Applications must be returned to Paul Hanson via the email address above.

Last updated 16 February 2026