At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a panel to provide impartial views on complaints against elected members.
- Company: The City of London Corporation serves as the local government for the financial heart of Britain.
- Benefits: Earn £300 daily plus travel expenses; flexible working options available.
- Other info: Diverse backgrounds welcome; applications close on 8th September 2025.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and uphold high standards of conduct.
- Qualifications: Relevant experience in public or private sectors; strong communication and objectivity required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job Description
The City of London Corporation provides local government services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the “Square Mile.” It is committed to promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct amongst its elected members who serve the City’s residents, workers and businesses.
The Corporation is seeking four Independent Persons to join its established Panel of Independent Persons, in the place of four members who are stepping down from the Panel in 2025. Under the Localism Act 2011, the Corporation must appoint at least one independent person whose views must be sought and taken into account before it makes a decision on a complaint against a member. The Corporation undertook a review of its overall governance arrangements in 2021 and, as part of this, reviewed its standards regime in particular. Following this, they recruited a “Panel of Independent Persons”, to assist the Corporation in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct by elected and co-opted members.
The Panel has been in operating since 2022 and consists of a total of twelve members and provides objective and impartial views on complaints against elected and co-opted members for consideration by the Court of Common Council. The Independent Persons may also be called to give a view to a member against whom a complaint has been made or in relation to certain disciplinary matters relating to senior officers. In addition to the usual duties of an Independent Person, those appointed to the Panel will also be empowered to maintain the rules and procedures for a three-stage process (incorporating potential informal resolution processes and an investigation stage, the formal hearing stage, and an appeals process), providing greater autonomy and independence than under previous arrangements. The Panel will also consider applications for dispensations to speak and vote at meetings where there might be considered to be a potential conflict of interest and make recommendations to the Town Clerk thereon.
We are seeking individuals with relevant experience in the private or public sector and with a keen interest in local government and standards of behaviour – a legal background is not essential, and we welcome a diverse range of relevant employment / sector background. Good communication and questioning skills are vital as is the ability to be objective, assertive and non-judgemental. There is a requirement to ensure panel members can demonstrate impartiality and integrity which the public can have full confidence in.
A daily attendance allowance of £300 will be paid and reasonable travel expenses will also be reimbursed. Attendance depends on the number and complexity of cases to be dealt with as well as any necessary briefing and training sessions.
Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 08th September 2025.
Applications are to be made via email only, to apply please download and complete the application pack and send to Gemma Stokley by an email via the button below by midday on Monday 8 September 2025.
Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OOTC723 if you experience any difficulties. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.
If this role is advertised as a secondment, secondments are subject to the agreement of your department releasing you, therefore, you need to discuss this with your line manager prior to applying. The purpose of this will be to discuss what, if any, impact your secondment might have on the service and service delivery should your application be successful, and how this might be addressed.
The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications.
Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs.
We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we’re meeting our attendance needs.
Independent Persons employer: City of London Corporation
The City of London Corporation is an exemplary employer, dedicated to upholding high standards of conduct within the vibrant financial district of the Square Mile. With a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, the Corporation offers unique opportunities for individuals to contribute meaningfully to local governance while enjoying competitive daily allowances and flexible working arrangements. Join a diverse panel where your impartial insights will help shape the future of local government and ensure public confidence in elected officials.
Contact Details:
City of London Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Persons
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like City of London Corporation, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like City of London Corporation and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Persons
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for City of London Corporation and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of London Corporation
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with City of London Corporation, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for City of London Corporation.
