Agenda item

The Head of Law and the Democratic Services Manager introduced the report on how the Authority’s ethical standards framework compared with the best practice recommendations included in a recent report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life.  It was noted that the Authority already complied with the majority of the best practice recommendations however four areas were included in the report which had been identified for changes.

In response to Members’ queries it was noted that Members are made aware of the Code of Conduct when they are appointed and have to sign an undertaking to the Code before they can take part in any meetings.  Reminders are included in the annual Planning training sessions.  Also Officers have their own Code of Conduct and a Register of Gifts and Hospitality which is available for public inspection.  Details of the Members’ Gifts and Hospitality Register is available on the Authority’s website and investigations will be undertaken to establish if the Officer Gifts and Hospitality Register may also be made available on the website in the future.

The recommendation as set out in the report was moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.    To note the report. 

2.    To amend paragraph 3 of the Member Code of Conduct to include definitions of bullying and harassment and provide examples of unacceptable behaviours. 

3.    To amend paragraph 8 of the Member Code of Conduct to clarify the expectations for Members to participate in the complaints process and identify the issues around making trivial or malicious allegations.

4.    To note that in future Members will be asked to review their entries in the Gifts and Hospitality Register as part of the annual review of the Members’ Register of Interests. 

5.    To note that a checklist used as the basis for the meeting between the Monitoring Officer and the Independent Person when carrying out an initial assessment on allegations will be updated to reflect best practice.