Cumbria Combined Authority is looking to appoint at least two Independent Persons to assist the Monitoring Officer in dealing with allegations into breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct by elected representatives who serve on the Combined Authority and its committees.

You will have an interest in democracy and governance with the ability to operate with political impartiality, respect confidentiality and exercise sound judgement in a proportionate and pragmatic manner.

Your role will be to provide independent advice to the Monitoring Officer, the Combined Authority’s Hearings Sub-Committee, and the subject of any allegation to assist in determining how complaints should be dealt with.

Your role will also be to provide independent advice to the Combined Authority in instances where disciplinary or dismissal action is being taken in relation to a statutory officer.

The term of office for these appointments is for a period of up to 4 years. The role is remunerated at £750 per annum with an additional payment of £60 per half day or £120 for full day code of conduct complaint or disciplinary/dismissal hearings.  Training will be provided.

To be considered for this role, you cannot be a Cumbria Combined Authority Member or Officer, a Cumberland Council or Westmorland and Furness Council Member or Officer or a close relative or friend of one.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please get in touch with Catherine Parkinson, the Council’s Monitoring Officer by email to [email protected]

To apply please send a short C.V. with a covering email/letter explaining why you are interested in the role, how you meet the role criteria and the names of 2 people who can provide you with a reference to Elaine Newsome, Deputy Director of Governance/Deputy Monitoring Officer by email to:   [email protected]  

Role Profile

Applications close at midnight on 30 September 2026.

Interviews for the role are expected to take place week commencing 12 October 2026.