Contact: Kelvin Ridout - Ext 7356 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 be aware of the arrangements which have been made 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 Advertisements have been placed seeking suitable people ready to serve on the Standards Committee, the Hampshire Police Authority and the Standards Committee for the County Council. The applications have been scrutinised and a short list drawn up. An Interview Panel of 3 Members of the Standards Committee are to interview the short-listed candidates on the rising of today's meeting and recommend the agreed number, with deputies, to the Authority for formal appointment.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee note that a Panel of 3 Members of the Standards Committee are to meet on the rising of this meeting to interview candidates for the posts of independent Members of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority's Standards Committee; and to make recommendations of suitable Members with deputies to the Authority meeting on 15 February 2006.

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.

4gR901105