Independent Members - Standards Committee

Salary

Chair - £3,685 per annum Co-opted Independent Member - £399 per annum

Job category/type

Council

Post Ref: CC942

The Council currently has two vacancies for Independent Members of the Standards Committee. This is a statutory committee which plays a crucial role in maintaining high ethical standards at both Borough and Town and Parish level. The role of the Committee is to advise, assist and guide Members in the adoption, monitoring, operation, enforcement and review of various local Codes of Conduct, in particular the Code of Conduct for Members and other ethical guidance. Full details of the Terms of Reference of the Standards Committee can be found at Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution published on the Council’s website.

Independent Members are appointed for a period of between four and six years and may be appointed for a further consecutive term of up to four years. The Standards Committee meets between four and six times a year, although Independent Members may need to make themselves available for unscheduled meetings should the need arise.

The Standards Committee comprises Independent Members, Borough Councillors and a Town and Parish Councillor. The role of Chair is appointed by Council from the committee’s independent members.

Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate the following qualities and characteristics:

• Good listener but inquisitive
• Ability to weigh up conflicting evidence and reach an effective conclusion
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Respect for others with an understanding of and respect for strong ethical values
• Integrity and good character.

A detailed knowledge of local government is not necessary although it would be an advantage if potential candidates were interested in matters relating to public life and services.

The following persons cannot in law be an Independent Member:

• A serving Councillor or Officer (or the spouse or civil partners of a Councillor

or Officer) of Calderdale Council, a Fire and Rescue Authority, a National Park Authority, or a Community / Town Council

• Former Councillors or Officers of Calderdale Council
• Former Councillors or Officers of any other County or County Borough

Council, Fire and Rescue Authority or National Park Authority until at least one year after ceasing to be a Councillor / Officer of that Authority.

An Independent Member should also not have had significant previous dealings with the Council which may compromise their impartiality, nor have a close relationship with any Member or Officer of the Council.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer and provider of services and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

Chair - £3,685 per annum

Co-opted Independent Member - £399 per annum

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Ian Hughes, Head of Legal & Democratic Services on 07900 240 387 or e-mail ***email_hidden***

The closing date for applications is: 7th August 2026.

It is intended that interviews will take place during the week commencing 17th August 2026.

To apply for this post please submit your CV to [email protected]

The successful candidate will be expected to take up their appointment from 28th September 2026.

We may utilise digital interview methods.

As part of our Vision ( https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/) we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities.

As part of our fair recruitment process, we ask that all applications are written by the candidate and that Artificial Intelligence (AI) use is limited, unless assistance is required as a reasonable adjustment for a disability. Content should be truthful, accurate, evidence based and not embellished – see guidance.