Public-spirited people are needed to help oversee standards in local democracy. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority is seeking to recruit two volunteers to take a key role in a new system of dealing with any complaints that are received against its members. The successful recruits will be called upon to give their views on complaints made against elected representatives serving on the Authority.
The Authority will use this feedback to assist in deciding how a complaint should be handled. Colette Longbottom, Clerk to the Authority, said: “This role is important to the public’s perception of the maintenance of high standards of conduct amongst the Authority’s members. It is very important that the people we appoint are seen to be genuinely independent of the Authority and are able to provide a completely objective view.”
Candidates should have a keen interest in standards in public life and the desire to serve the local community and uphold democracy. They should be able to demonstrate high standards of personal integrity, be objective, independent and impartial and have direct experience of implementing and upholding standards and/or dealing with complaints and customer care issues. Training will be provided and travelling and subsistence allowances will be paid for attendance at meetings. Candidates should either live or work in County Durham or Darlington. Application forms are available from the Authority’s website www.ddfire.gov.uk  or from David Taylor, Legal and Democratic Services, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UL.
Call 0191 3833509 or email david.taylor3@durham.gov.uk
The closing date for applications is 13th July 2012.