Contact: Colin Hinxman - Ext 7343 e-mail: [email protected]

1 The preceding item on this report relates to possible changes in the role of independent Members on the Standards Committee. Once a decision has been reached on their numbers and the possibility that one of them might be Chairman, the Committee will need to determine arrangements for candidates to be interviewed and appointed.

2 The relevant regulations require independent Members to be:

(a) Approved by a majority of the Members of the Authority.


(b) Advertised in one or more newspapers circulating in the area of the Authority.


(c) A person who has submitted an application to the Authority.


(d) A person who has not within the period of 5 years immediately preceding the date of the appointment been a Member or Officer of the Authority.


(e) A person who is not a relative or close friend of a Member or Officer of the Authority.

3 To set that process in train, advertisements have been placed seeking suitable people ready to serve on the Standards Committee for the County Council, the Hampshire Police Authority and the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority. They will need to be scrutinised, a short list drawn up and recommendations made. It is suggested that this process should be undertaken by a Panel of existing Members of the Standards Committee, such Interview Panel not to total more than 3 Members. The Chief Executive would then make the necessary arrangements for Members to interview suitable short-listed candidates and recommend the agreed number, with deputies, to the County Council for formal appointment.

4 At the same time an advertisement has been placed seeking Members of the Independent Remuneration Panel, and a similar process of appointment needs to be initiated for them. It is suggested that a similar Panel comprising not more than 3 Members of the Standards Committee should undertake that task.

RECOMMENDATION:

That a Panel comprising not more than 3 Members of the Standards Committee be appointed to interview short-listed candidates for the posts of independent Members of the County Council's Standards Committee; and Members of the Independent Remuneration Panel, and to make recommendations of suitable Members with deputies to the County Council.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.

2 Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

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