Who we are

Independent Person for the purposes of Standards Regime

Mr Eric Richards is the Independent Person on the NTCA Audit and Standards committee.

Both professionally and privately, Mr Richards has had an active life.

He graduated from the University of Wales with a Batchelor of Laws and since then has undertaken work for Local Authorities in both a representative and advisory role. This representation included appearing for Authorities before Tribunals and Inquiries.

Mr Richards’ employment history includes: Deputy Secretary/Deputy Clerk at Rhymney Valley District Council, Borough Secretary at Blyth Valley Borough Council (1979-1997), Clerk at Blyth Valley and Wansbeck Joint Crematorium Committee (1979-2005, part time- retained following retirement), Lay Chairman/Wing Member, NHS Pharmaceutical Appeal Panels (1993-2013, regarded as self employment) and Independent Chairman at Newcastle City Council Remuneration Panel (2001-).

Other posts and activities include: Principal advisor at Environment & Health Committee of the Association of District Councils (1989-1996), Member and Deputy Chairman of N.E. Coastal Committee for North British Housing Association (1997-2001), Independent Member and Chair of North Tyneside Council Standards Committee (2002-2012) and Independent Board Member of Blyth Valley Housing Ltd. (2002-2008).

Having lived in the region for nearly 40 years, Mr Richards has a commitment to the area and its promotion within the UK and elsewhere.

As well as his professional activities, Mr Richards is also involved in a number of social activities. These include: Member of Whitley Bay Rotary Club (1983-) and Member of Whitley Bay Golf Club (2005-).