Be a Member of the Ethical Standards Regime covering Councillor Conduct in Cornwall
Cornwall Council is seeking a volunteer to support high standards of conduct in local government. The following role is available:
- Independent Persons – Appointed under the Localism Act 2011, they give an impartial view on complaints about councillor conduct.
This is voluntary role, requiring up to 10-15 days, or part days, per year however, a small allowance and travel and subsistence expenses are provided.
To be an Independent Person, you must be politically neutral and not have been a councillor, employee, or close relative of one within Cornwall Council or any town or parish council in Cornwall in the last five years.
If you would like more information and an application form, visit the link below or email Simon Mansell MBE at simon.mansell@cornwall.gov.uk
The deadline for applications is 14 December 2025.
Independent Person
Independent Person Application FormFurther Information about the role
Role of the Standards Committee
Citizens have a right to expect that holders of public office are honest and impartial.
The Standards Committee's role is to promote and maintain ethical standards in public life. It is a committee of Cornwall Council but half of its 18 members are not part of the Council. What unites them is their dedication to good standards of behaviour in public life.
The Standards Committee appoints three independent people. The independent people give their views on code of conduct complaints.
The Council's Monitoring Officer or his or her representative works with the Standards Committee. They help them with Code of Conduct complaints, training and other issues.
Standards expected of all councillors
Find out about the standards expected of all councillors in the UK. You can also find out about the additional standards expected of all Councillors in Cornwall.
Find out how to make a code of conduct complaint about a councillor. You can also read decision notices of all complaints reported to the standards committee.
Responsibilities of the Standards Committee
Find out about the responsibilities of the committee. This includes code of conduct complaints and code of conduct training for town and parish councillors and clerks.
Members of the Standards Committee
There are eighteen members of the standards committee. Find out about the role of the independent members and the powers of the standards committee.