At this week’s full council meeting members will be appointing the fifth ‘Designated Independent Person’ to the council.
Previously appointed were Mark Southwell, Liz Mackenzie, George Hibberd and Ray Smith.
The Council is required to appoint at least one Designated Independent Person (DIP) who may be consulted by the Monitoring Officer and elected members in relation to the new standards arrangements.
When considering complaints against members the Monitoring Officer must consult with a DIP before a complaint is referred for investigation; in all other cases the Monitoring Officer may consult a DIP. Members subject to a complaint can also consult a DIP.
Given the potential for conflicts of interest and/or delays due to holidays or sickness it was agreed by full Council on 20th June 2012 that in the first instance five DIPs are appointed by full Council.
Members are being recommended to appoint Alistair Drain for a period of four years.
Image: Simon Haytack under CC BY 2.0
