Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Derek Forrest, Councillor David Suthers, Councillor Renee Blow and Mr David Haley submitted their apologies.

Minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2022 attached for approval.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 15 September 2022 be signed as a correct record.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

There were none.

Report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer attached.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer presented a report seeking approval to commence processes for the appointment of a second Independent Person following the recent resignation of Mr Barry Parsonage.

The report explained the reasons for having two Independent Persons on the Standards Committee, including potential conflicts of interest and cover for ill health.

The Chair wished to formally record the Committee’s thanks to Mr Parsonage for his hard work over the years.

RESOLVED: (unanimously):

That the Committee agrees that a second Independent Person be appointed and that accordingly recruitment processes be commenced.

Report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer attached.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer presented a report requesting approval of an amended Investigation and Hearing Procedure following the last Committee on 15 September 2022.

He highlighted the key amendments which included:-

-        To clarify the stage at which the member would be informed of a complaint about them

-        Inclusion of the right to challenge – a members may refer to the matter to the Ombudsman

-        Inclusion of the provision for members to maintain confidentiality

-        Inclusion of provision that a complainant may be granted anonymity.

The Chair thanked members of the Code of Conduct Working Group and supporting officers for their hard work.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Investigations and Hearings Procedure (Appendix A) be recommended to Council for approval.