The Council appoints outside people to assist with the work of some of its committees. These people are not elected councillors. They are instead chosen by an interview panel to add outside expertise and an impartial perspective to committee business.
In November 2024, the Council agreed to add an Independent Member to its Audit Committee. The report that recommended doing this said it would "bring additional knowledge and expertise" to the Committee and "reinforce its political neutrality and independence".
This is a non-voting position on the committee, but the IM will take part in discussions, receive the same reports and attend the same meetings and training as the elected members.
Councils are required by law to appoint at least one Independent Person to work with their Standards Committees. The role includes:
Sitting on the Standards Assessment Panel which decides whether complaints against Members should be investigated.
Advising the Standards Committee before it decides whether a Member has failed to comply with the Members’ Code of Conduct or imposes a sanction for doing so.
Advising the Council on future changes to the Code.
Attending meetings of the Standards Committee and speaking on certain items.
The Independent Member (Audit) and Independent Person
(Standards) are paid special responsibility allowances in line with the Constitution and
the Independent Remuneration Panel report of May 2024. They are also able to claim
travel and subsistence expenses while on Council businesses.
Both the IM and IP have completed declarations in the
register of interests and signed the Members’ Code of Conduct.
For more information, contact democratic.services@hertsmere.gov.uk.
