A panel of four independent people has been set up to make sure Coventry’s councillors and council workers are honest and stay within the rules.

The quartet will also look at whistle-blowing procedures designed to keep the city council on its toes.

They have been appointed to the first Standards Committee, which was introduced as part of the new political management system.

None of them will be paid for their work, and they will meet for the first time next month.

 Cllr Phil Townshend, cabinet member (Service Co-ordination) said:

“The new Standards Committee forms part of the council’s new political management arrangements and will have responsibility for monitoring the behaviours of employees and council members.

“Part of their role will be to review the council’s whistle-blowing procedures to help us continually improve the quality of service we provide.

“The independent members will play a vital role to ensure high standards of conduct across the council.

“They have a broad range of experience and are of the highest calibre.”

The four people chosen to be on the committee are:

Isabella Moore (right), president of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber. She is a partner at COMTEC, providing technical and interpreting services in European languages and is the area’s representative on the British Chambers of Commerce Policy unit.

His Honour Judge Brian Farrer QC, a circuit judge since 1985, who sits mainly in Birmingham, Warwick and Coventry.

Jayne Willets, of law firm Hammond Suddards Edge. She was the first woman to qualify as a High Court Solicitor Advocate, and is currently the President of Birmingham Law Society.