From time to time the Council seeks Co-Optees from the community to vacancies on their committees. These positions are advertised in the local press and will also appear here. Current Vacancies: (2) Independent Persons – London Borough of Newham (LBN) x 2 The London Borough of Newham is looking to recruit two Independent Persons to work alongside the Council’s Standards Advisory Committee and contribute to maintaining high standards of conduct in the authority. The Independent Persons will be consulted on complaints against councillors and other ethical governance and standards matters. They will liaise, as necessary, with the Council’s Monitoring Officer to consider complaints and offer their impartial view on the matter, including any investigations undertaken. Independent Persons will also be expected to attend meetings of the Council’s Standards Advisory Committee to participate in the consideration and discussion of wider ethical governance issues affecting the Council. This role provides a real opportunity to get involved in local government and promote high standards in public life. If you have an interest in serving the local community and upholding local democracy, have high standards of personal integrity and the ability to be objective, independent and impartial, then this may be the opportunity for you to get involved. The position is voluntary, however an annual allowance of £1200 will be paid for time, travel and subsistence. The commitment would include a willingness to attend approximately 4 evening meetings per annum, plus ad hoc sub committees if required and availability on the phone and e-mail. Whilst we would particularly welcome and prefer applicants to have a local connection to the borough, we would encourage any applicant with a keen interest in local democracy to apply. Full details of the role and responsibilities of the Independent Person will be available in the Recruitment Pack. For more information please contact: The Monitoring Officer London Borough of Newham Newham Dockside 1000 Dockside Road London E16 2QU Tel: 020 3373 6584 Website: www.newham.gov.uk Or request a pack from [email protected] The closing date for applications is 23 October 2024 All Co-Optees are bound by the Council’s code of conduct. CODE OF CONDUCT Members and Co-opted Members of London Borough of Newham have a responsibility to represent the community and work constructively with staff and others to secure better social, economic and environmental outcomes for all. In accordance with the Localism Act 2011 provisions, when acting in this capacity Newham Members and Co-Optees are committed to behaving in a manner that is consistent with the following principles to achieve best value for our residents and maintain public confidence in the authority. SELFLESSNESS: Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. INTEGRITY: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties. OBJECTIVITY: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit. ACCOUNTABILITY: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office. OPENNESS: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands. HONESTY: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest. LEADERSHIP: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.