We're looking for volunteers to serve as:
- Independent Persons to help promote and maintain high standards of conduct amongst city, town and parish councillors in York
- Independent Members to sit on our Audit and Governance Committee
- Independent Remuneration Panel Members
There are certain restrictions on who can apply for these roles, full details can be found in the recruitment information packs which can accessed when you register to sign in to apply. You can also read the council's guidance on politically restricted posts online.
See the Independent Persons and Members job profile.
For more information, contact Julie Gallagher by email at julie.gallagher@york.gov.uk.
About the roles
Read more about the position of:
Independent Person
Under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011, the council is required to appoint an Independent Person to assist the council in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct amongst its elected members and town and parish councillors.
Where a complaint is received about a councillor’s conduct the Independent Persons will be consulted on the decision as to whether to investigate the complaint and before a decision is made on an investigated complaint. The Independent Persons may also be consulted on other standards matters, including by the member who is subject to an allegation.
Main duties
This role will work directly with the Director of Governance and provide independent opinion in the consideration of complaints about councillors. The role will also support councillors appointed to the Joint Standards Committee in terms of policy development and the review of its ethical governance framework, for example setting behaviour related standards.
Independent Member
The Audit and Governance Committee is a key component of City of York Council’s corporate governance. It provides an independent and high-level focus on the audit, assurance and reporting arrangements that underpin good governance and financial standards.
We're keen to implement continuous improvement in the areas of corporate governance and financial management and are looking to appoint an Independent Member for the Audit and Governance Committee.
The role of the committee is to provide independent assurance to councillors of the adequacy of the risk management framework and internal control environment. In addition, the committee provides an independent review of the council’s governance, risk management and control frameworks and oversees the financial reporting and annual governance processes.
The committee also oversees internal audit and external audit and ensures that efficient and effective assurance arrangements are in place.
The Independent Member will assist the committee in its work of ensuring robust governance frameworks are in place to support the council in its decision making and delivery of services. The Independent Member will not have a role as regards the finance and accounts related work of the committee.
Main duties
This role will attend the Audit and Governance Committee and support the councillors and key statutory officers in ensuring the council’s constitution and other governance related policies and procedures are fit for purpose.
Independent Remuneration Panel Members
In accordance with the Local Government Act 2000, we're required to have a scheme in place to consider allowances received by our elected councillors. The Independent Remuneration Panel plays a critical role in the setting and reviewing of the allowances that councillors are entitled to receive. The panel is composed of at least 3 Independent Members who are appointed for a 4-year term of office. The panel will meet on an ad hoc basis to form recommendations to full council and is supported in its work by officers.
Main duties
This role will work with the other Independent Remuneration Panel Members, supported by officers, to draft a set of recommendations for council on the level of basic allowance and special responsibility allowances for councillors.
To be successful in these roles, you'll be:
- objective and independent of mind with an unbiased attitude
- supportive of good governance principles and their practical application towards the achievement of organisational objectives
Financial management experience is an essential requirement for the Independent Member role. Training will be provided.
These interesting and challenging roles will give you a unique insight into local democracy and the opportunity to work with and alongside councillors.
- Salary: these are unpaid positions but travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed
- Closing date: 31 December 2025 - applications will be reviewed as they are received
- Interview: Dates to be confirmed
Also see
Recruitment Team
Human Resources (HR) Business Centre