Independent Member - Standards Committee

Bath & North East Somerset Council has a Standards Committee to oversee the delivery of high standards of behaviour by its councillors and to promote good practice in relation to ethics and probity.

The commitment

The committee is scheduled to meet about four times a year but is stood down if no business needs to be conducted. It also meets and on an ad-hoc basis to deal with any hearings but these are infrequent, usually no more than 1 per year. Candidates should have sufficient time to devote to the appointment and an ability to attend at least 2 afternoon/evening meetings a year, plus daytime hearings and training events.

The Committee

The committee comprises 3 independent members, 5 Bath & North East Somerset councillors and 3 parish councillors. The independent members are not elected and are appointed by the Council from the local community.

The committee advises on good practice and procedures, as well as dealing with complaints against councillors. The role of the independent members is critical to the work of the Standards Committee in reflecting the views and expectations of local people about the standards of behaviour adopted by local councillors.

Experience required & Exclusions

To be considered for this position, you must be experienced in matters of ethics and probity and have demonstrated the highest level of integrity in some other capacity. You must live or work in the Bath & North East Somerset area and have knowledge of the locality and its communities. Applications cannot be considered from anyone who:

• is a local authority officer or member
• has been a member or officer of the Council within the last five years
• is a relative or a close friend of a member or officer of the Council
• is currently actively engaged in politics

An Independent Member should also not have had significant previous dealings with the Service which may compromise their impartiality.

The work can be challenging and provides a real opportunity for you to make an active contribution to standards in public life.

This is a voluntary role.

If you feel you have the experience and personal qualities to undertake this role, an application form and information pack are available from The Monitoring Officer or by contacting Donna Marks (01225) 395298 or donna_marks@bathnes.gov.uk

Applications must be received by 25th October 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 2nd November 2026 [expected interview 3rd November]

The successful candidate will be appointed by Full Council on 19th November 2026 and will be expected to take up their appointment on 20th November 2026.