The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) is inviting applications for an ‘independent person’ to help strengthen governance and uphold ‘high standards of conduct’ across the organisation.
The TVCA, established in 2016 to drive economic growth, transport and regeneration across the Tees Valley has a statutory duty to maintain high standards of conduct amongst its elected members.
Best Value Notice
The recruitment comes amid a broader focus on governance and oversight within the authority. In 2025, the UK government issued a Best Value Notice to the TVCA, highlighting the need for continued improvements in processes and accountability.
In response, the authority has developed an organisational improvement plan but having recently had its Best Value Notice (BVN) extended by the government and struggling to recruit to its golden triangle of statutory roles with more recent pressure applied by the government it is now seeking an independent person to help with improvement of the organisation.
Better late than never
Under the Localism Act 2011, local authorities must appoint at least one independent person to assist in promoting and maintaining standards of behaviour. It does beg the question why the TVCA is only just applying this a decade after its formation.
Partial to the impartial
The successful candidate should act as an impartial voice in governance processes, helping to ensure transparency and accountability at a senior level working with the monitoring officer, members of the authority, officers, the Tees Valley Mayor and key stakeholders within the community as well as undertaking training to maintain a strong understanding of the governance framework.
Complaints
The role involves advising on complaints about elected members and contributing to decisions on whether allegations should be formally investigated.
It also involves consulting before final decisions are made on complaints, and they may be approached directly by elected members who are subject to allegations.
Key responsibilities
The position centres on safeguarding ethical standards across the authority. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting the authority in upholding its Code of Conduct and the Seven Principles of Public Life
- Providing independent advice on complaints and investigations
- Participating in relevant committees or disciplinary panels when required
- Acting as an ambassador for high standards of governance
Term and remuneration
Appointments will be for a four-year term, with a fixed annual allowance of £2,000, alongside reimbursement for travel and subsistence expenses.
Influencer
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to proper governance at a strategic regional body led by The Tees Valley Mayor Lord Ben Houchen. The authority oversees major investment, transport and regeneration programmes affecting around 700,000 residents.
To learn more about the role click here.
Going through the motions?
What we don’t know is if this is a mere box-ticking exercise, or a genuine attempt to bring scrutiny and accountability to Houchen’s TVCA. There’s only one way to find out:
Send your CV and a short covering letter to TVCAGovernance@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk. Applications close 26 May.
