PURPOSE

1. To appoint a Chair and Members of the Standards Committee and to agree a mechanism for filling further vacancies.

BACKGROUND

2. Article 9 of the Constitution establishes a Standards Committee comprised of:

· Seven independent Members.

· Two Members of the Isle of Wight Council (with three deputies), not being Members of the Cabinet and who have served at least one term.

· One representative of the Association of Parish and Town Councils (who is not also a Member of the Isle of Wight Council).

3. The Constitution also provides that Full Council may appoint the Chair of the Standards Committee.

4. An advertisement was placed in the County Press asking for volunteers to be appointed as independent Members. 29 people replied to the advertisement, giving details about themselves and offering their services.

5. The volunteers included three past Members of the Standards Committee seeking reappointment. It is suggested that for the sake of continuity that those three Members, Bruce Claxton, Joy Harding and George Hibberd are reappointed.

6. Bruce Claxton has Chaired the Committee with enthusiasm and dedication for almost two years. It is suggested that Mr Claxton is reappointed as Chairman.

7. Given the high number and high quality of the volunteers for the four remaining independent appointments, it is suggested that a shortlist is prepared by the Monitoring Officer and a series of interviews are conducted by the Chairman of the Standards Committee, the Leader of the Council and such of the other Group Leaders as wish to participate.

8. A nomination will be sought from the Association of Parish and Town Councils.

9. The appointment of the independent Members and of the Parish and Town Councils Representative, can be delegated to the Monitoring Officer, following the process described above.

FINANCIAL/BUDGET/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

10. The Monitoring Officer carries a small budget sufficient to fund the administration of the Standards Committee. Appointment of a Standards Committee is a legal obligation, the Isle of Wight Council having established a Standards Committee some years prior to the introduction of the statutory obligation in 2001.

RECOMMENDATION

11. It is recommended that Full Council:

i. Appoints Bruce Claxton, Joy Harding and George Hibberd as Members of the Standards Committee.

ii. Appoints Bruce Claxton as Chairman of the Standards Committee for the coming year.

iii. Invites the Isle of Wight Association of Parish and Town Councils to nominate a representative.

iv. Instructs the Monitoring Officer to produce a shortlist of volunteers for appointment to the four remaining independent seats.

v. Delegates the appointment to vacancies to the Monitoring Officer.

Contact point: John Lawson, Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer ( 3203, email address: [email protected]