Agenda item

To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer in relation to the appointment of Independent Persons in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

The Monitoring Officer reminded Members that previously the Council had appointed a single Independent Person in accordance with the Localism Act 2011. The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 provided for further arrangements relating to disciplinary processes requiring two Independent Persons.

The current appointment had expired and advertising for a replacement had not been successful. However, a pool of Independent Persons had been appointed by a consortium of councils, namely Mole Valley, Guildford, Waverley, Spelthorne and Reigate and Banstead. The consortium authorities had been operating a protocol to deal with the practical issues of dealing with complaints, including any conflicts of interest, common processes and arrangements for dealing with complaints.

There were currently five people who formed part of the pool across the authorities.

• Roger Pett
• Tony Allenby
• Vivienne Cameron
• Paul Sherar
• David Seymour
• Bernard Quoroll

The Council agreed to join the consortium and appoint the above persons in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

It was moved by the Mayor, seconded by the Deputy Mayor and

RESOLVED to appoint the following persons to be Independent Persons in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 until May 2019:

·                  Roger Pett

·                  Tony Allenby

·                  Vivienne Cameron

·                  Paul Sherar

·                  David Seymour

·                  Bernard Quoroll