Your Voice on the Council

Members of the public in South Warwickshire are being invited to sit on one of their council's most important committees. Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Standards and Ethics Committee has, amongst its membership, four seats totally independent from elected councillors, two of which are now vacant.

The committee's role is to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by councillors, and applications are being invited to fill the vacancies. Anyone can apply for the positions, which have a term of office for four years.

"This is an invaluable opportunity for members of the public to have an input into the democratic process," said Cllr Izzi Seccombe, the committee's chairman.

"The committee values applications from people of independent mind and hopes that such people will come forward and play an important part in local democracy."

Anyone interested in applying should set out why they think they should be considered. The role benefits from an allowance of £250 per annum. Applicants should be able to demonstrate an understanding of ethical and probity issues and ideally have experience of working within a committee environment.

A shortlist of suitable candidates will be drawn up by members of the committee, based on written applications received, and invited to attend an interview and make a presentation to the committee. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for 12 July, and the appointment of suitable candidates will be approved by full Council later that month.

Further information concerning the role of the committee and the Code of Conduct for Councillors may be obtained from the district council's monitoring officer Peter Cruden, on 01789 260201 or by email peter.cruden@stratford-dc.gov.uk, or by clicking on the following link: http://www.stratford.gov.uk/council/council-401.cfm 

Applications should be made by letter, no later than Friday 24 June 2005, to:

Peter Cruden, Monitoring Officer         
Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6HX