Standards Committee Appointment of an Independent Member

Why Join the Standards Committee?

As an Independent Member, you’ll help ensure that elected representatives uphold the highest standards of behaviour at Principal and Town and Community Council levels. You’ll be part of a Committee that advises, assists and supports:

• councillors on ethical matters,

• adoption, monitoring, operation, enforcement and review of local Codes of Conduct, the Members Code of Conduct for both Principal and Town and Community Councils and other ethical guidance,

• Promoting transparency and accountability in local government.

You’ll be joining an experienced committee made up of:

• Five Independent Members,

• Three County Councillors,

• One Community Council Representative.

The Chair and Vice-Chair are elected from among the Independent Members — offering leadership opportunities for those who wish to take on more responsibility.

What we're looking for

• A thoughtful and inquisitive listener,

• Fair and balanced decision-maker with the ability to weigh up conflicting evidence and reach effective conclusions,

• Able to demonstrate integrity, good character, strong ethical values and respect for others,

• Ability to work as part of a team, and

• Committed to upholding ethical standards in public life.

An interest in public service and community matters is a plus, and Welsh language skills are welcomed.

To ensure impartiality, you cannot apply if you are:

• A serving Councillor or Officer (or the spouse or civil partners of a Councillor or Officer) of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, a Fire and Rescue Authority, a National Park Authority, or a Community / Town Council,

• Former Councillors or Officers of the Vale of Glamorgan 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.

The Appointments Panel may take into account the need to achieve a balance of skills, qualities and expertise on the Committee, as well as the need to represent the community as a whole and achieve a geographical spread of representation on the Committee.

What's involved

• Term: 4 to 6 years (with the possibility of a second term, up to a maximum of 10 years),

• Meetings: Around 6 per year, with occasional short-notice meetings,

• Location: Vale of Glamorgan Civic Office or Online (with some flexibility),

• Renumeration:

• • Chair: £33.50/hour or £268/day (over 4 hours) or £134 (up to 4 hours)
  • Member: £26.25/hour or £210/day (over 4 hours) or £105 (up to 4 hours)
  • Capped at 15 full days per year,

• Payments are for meeting times, preparation and travelling where necessary,

• Expenses: Reimbursement available for care costs (with receipts).

How to apply

If you’re interested in helping shape ethical governance in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal chat, contact Victoria Davidson, Monitoring Officer on:

• 01446 709402
•  VDavidson@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Full details of the Terms of Reference of the Standards Committee can be found in Section 8 of the Council’s Constitution published on the Council’s website.

Closing date for applications: Friday 8th August 2025.

Interviews expected: Monday 1st September 2025.

Start date: Candidates are expected to take up their appointment from Monday 22nd September 2025.