Dr Robert Chilton, Chair of the East Thames housing association and Deputy chair of premium phone rate regulator ICSTIS, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Standards Board for England, Ministers announced yesterday.
Replacing current Chair Sir Anthony Holland who steps down on 31 June 2008, Dr Chilton will lead the board for a three year term.
He will takeover as the Standards Board’s evolves into a light touch regulator, providing support, advice and guidance to assist local authorities in their treatment of allegations of misconduct by councillors.
Since 8 May a new conduct regime gives local standards committees the responsibility for initially assessing all allegations of misconduct by councillors and, in all but the most serious cases, dealing with any subsequent investigations, decisions and sanctions.
Minister for Local Government, John Healey, said he was “very pleased that Dr Chilton has been appointed as Chair of the Standards Board”
“I am confident that he has not only the strategic vision to lead the Board in its new role as a light touch regulator, but also a deep understanding and experience of local government, which will be invaluable in ensuring the Board continues its key work of promoting the highest standards of conduct across local government.”
Mr Healey also paid tribute to Sir Anthony Holland saying “It is through his leadership both that the role of the Board has developed over the years and that the importance of high standards of conduct is recognised throughout local government.”
