Apply to become an Independent Member | Manchester City Council

An Independent Member sits on our Standards Committee and helps promote high standards of conduct among councillors.

What you'll do

You will:

contribute to the work of the Standards Committee
provide an independent view on conduct matters
sit on hearing panels when required
chair committee meetings if the Chair is absent.

Allowance

You'll receive:

an annual allowance of £1,127
£135 for each hearing attended.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who has:

an interest in local government and local communities
good judgement
strong communication skills
good analytical skills
integrity and impartiality
an understanding of confidentiality
the ability to work with others.

You do not need formal qualifications. The role will include training and support.

Time commitment

You will be appointed for four years.

The Standards Committee usually meets three times a year, although extra meetings may sometimes be needed. You'll need time to prepare for meetings and occasionally carry out follow-up work.

Committee meetings are usually held on Thursdays at 10.30am and are webcast to the public. You should feel comfortable sharing your views in a public meeting.

Who can apply

You must not:

be a councillor, co-opted member or officer of Manchester City Council
be a councillor, co-opted member or officer of Ringway Parish Council
have held any of these roles during the last five years
have an unspent criminal conviction
be a close friend or relative of someone in these roles.

a) A spouse or civil partner of the person.

b) Someone living with the person as if they were husband and wife or as if they were civil partners.

c) Grandparents of the person.

d) A lineal descendant of a grandparent of the person.

e) A parent, sibling or child of the persons listed in a) or b).

f) The spouse or civil partner of the persons listed in c), d) or e).

g) Someone living with a person listed in c), d) or e) as husband and wife or as if they were civil partners.

You must be able to act independently and remain politically impartial.

You can still apply if you are a member of a political party. However, if you are actively involved in party politics, your application will not be considered. This includes campaigning, canvassing or holding a party position.

Find out more about the Standards Committee before you apply

Visit our Standards Committee page.

How to apply

Email fiona.ledden@manchester.gov.uk with:

your CV
a covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role
confirmation that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Applications close at 4pm on 23 October 2026. Interviews are expected to take place during the week beginning 9 November 2026.

For an informal discussion about the role, call Fiona Ledden on 0161 227 3974.

We will use the information you provide to process your application. Read our corporate privacy notice to find out how we collect, use and store your personal information.