Announcements

ARE YOU FAIR-MINDED? ARE YOU ABLE TO FORM IMPARTIAL VIEWS
FROM THE EVIDENCE BEFORE YOU? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING
INVOLVED WHEN COMPLAINTS ARE MADE
ABOUT THE CONDUCT OF NPA MEMBERS? The New Forest National Park Authority is looking for independent, fair-minded persons who are willing to become involved when a complaint is made about a member of the Authority. The Authority is required by law (the Localism Act 2011) to put new procedures in place with effect from 2 July 2012 for handling complaints about Members’ conduct. These procedures must include the involvement of at least one person independent of the Authority, who will be called upon to attend a meeting and participate in discussions when a complaint is received in order to consider whether, and if so what, action should initially be taken, and also to be present and give their views during any formal hearing that takes place if it is decided to investigate a complaint. The extent to which the services of the successful applicants will be called upon cannot be foreseen with any certainty, as this will depend on how many complaints are made. However, it is not expected to exceed 4 to 6 days or part days per year. Training will be given and a modest allowance will be paid. To be eligible to apply YOU MUST NOT •Be, or have been at any time since June 2007, a member, co-opted member (including a member of the current Standards Committee), or employee of New Forest National Park Authority; or •Be a relative (as defined in the legislation) or close friend of a current member, co-opted member, or employee of New Forest National Park Authority; or •Have a public profile in party politics; or •Have been convicted of a criminal offence (not counting minor traffic offences) in the last 5 years; or •Be subject to potential conflicts of interest, such as a contractual relationship with the Authority as supplier etc. Ideally, you should also: •Have a keen interest in standards in public life; •Have a wish to serve the local community and uphold democracy; •Demonstrate high standards of public integrity; •Be objective and impartial; • Have experience of dealing with complaints and customer care issues in the public or private sector. Further information and an application form, are available on our website at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk or by contacting Jo Murphy, Business Services by email on jo.murphy@newforestnpa.gov.uk or by telephone 01590 646653. The closing date for applications is 31 MAY 2012. Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by senior officers and Members of the Authority. The Authority is committed to equality of opportunity in selection regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability or sexuality.