Hackneys ethical governance team re-united

The team that put ethical governance on the map within local authorities and established industry best practice has been re-united as London Borough of Hackneyís Governance Officer, John Coutts, joins forces with the councilís ex- Director of Law and Democratic Services, Claer Lloyd-Jones at executive recruitment firm, Rockpools.

Claer, who joined Rockpools last October as a partner, is developing a number of specialist services aimed at helping local authorities operate successfully within an ethical framework.

These services include: ethical health checks; good governance reviews; officer and member training; ethical framework development; help preparing for inspections and implementing recommendations; developing an effective Standards Committee and constitution modernisation.

Claer said: ìWe believe that high ethical standards are the cornerstone of good governance and can lead to improvements in an organisationís performance, enhancing the way it delivers public services.

ìWe want to develop services not just for local authorities but for the private and not-for-profit sectors also. As the divides between the private, public and not-for-profit sectors blur, with more and more organisations working at the interface of each, the need to develop a common set of high standards and values is more important than ever and I am delighted to welcome John on board to help me in this vital workî.

John said: ìI believe passionately in high quality public services and to have the opportunity to take what we achieved in Hackney and to develop it, not just for other local authorities but for private and not-for-profit organisations as well, is incredible. Claer is undisputedly the best in the business and together, I am convinced we can make a significant contribution in taking this agenda forwardî.

Prior to working as Hackneyís Governance Officer, John spent two years as the councilís Standard and Complaints Officer. He has also worked as Westminster City Councilís Corporate Complaints Officer, a freelance consultant advising on SRB funding and in a variety of policy roles for the London Borough of Hillingdon. He began his career as a residential social worker.