Independent Person (Standards)

London, England, United Kingdom

7/11/2025

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

What’s the role?

The London Borough of Lewisham is seeking to fill two Independent Person vacancies on its Standards Committee.

We are looking for two individuals with the necessary skills and experience who will bring an external perspective to the work of the committee.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant skills and experience to participate in the functions of the Committee, including the ability to:

• think strategically.
• analyse information.
• question effectively.
• have effective interpersonal skills.
• have high standards of personal integrity.
  
  

The overarching purpose of the Committee is to:

• Establish an ethical culture within the Council.
• To promote and maintain high standards of conduct by councillors and all co-opted members.
• To assist councillors and co-opted members to observe their Code of Conduct and other Codes within the Constitution.
• To deal with complaints against councillors and issues concerning the members’ Code of Conduct.
  
  

For more information on the committee and the code of conduct please click here

How To Apply

To apply, please email your CV and supporting statement to Emma Campbell Smith, Head of Governance and Committee Services [email protected] before the closing date.

Please do not apply via the online application form.

Special conditions

• Attendance at evening Committee meetings is required for this role.
• There is a small allowance payable for the role which is presently £623 per annum.
• The appointment is for a period of four years.
  
  

Eligibility for Appointment

A person cannot be appointed as an Independent Person if they are or were within a period of five years prior to the appointment any of the following apply to him or her:

• A Councillor, co-opted member, agency worker or employee of the London Borough of Lewisham.
• Are closely associated with anyone who is now, or has been in the last five years, a Councillor, co-opted member, agency worker or employee of the London Borough of Lewisham.
• A person with an unspent criminal record (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act applies).
• Hold any political office, belong to any political party; or be or have been politically active in the last five years.
• Have any dealings with the Council which could be seen to be prejudicial to a person's independence.
• Be committed to the term of office (four years from the date of appointment)
  
  

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Location

Meetings primarily take place in the Civic Suite, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works , which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email [email protected] and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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