Committee details

Standards Committee (old regime)

Purpose of committee

The Standards Committee is responsible for:

 

Promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct

Promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct by elected members, co-opted members and church and parent governor representatives and officers;

 

Assisting and advising representatives and officers

Assisting the elected and co-opted members and church and parent governor representatives to observe the Members’ Code of Conduct;

 

  • advising the Council on the adoption or revision of the Members’ Code of Conduct;
  • monitoring and advising the Council about the operation of its Code of Conduct in the light of best practice, changes in the law, guidance from the Standards Board and recommendations of case tribunals under section 80 of the Local Government Act 2000;
  • advising, training or arranging to train elected and co-opted members and church and parent governor representatives on matters relating to the Members’ Code of Conduct and ensuring that all members of the Council have access to training in all aspects of the Code of Conduct, that this training is actively promoted, and that members are aware of the standards expected from local Councillors under the Code;

 

Granting dispensations

Granting dispensations to elected and co-opted members and church and parent governor representatives from requirements relating to interests set out in the Members’ Code of Conduct;

 

Code of Conduct Complaints

Dealing with all matters relating to:

 

  • the initial assessment of misconduct allegations under the Members’ Code of Conduct;
  • any request to review a decision to take no action in relation to a misconduct allegation;
  • any hearing to determine whether a member has breached the Code and where appropriate impose sanctions.
  • the exercise of the committee’s functions in relation to the town and parish councils wholly or mainly in its area and the members of those town and parish councils.

 

Overview

Promoting and overseeing high standards of ethical governance throughout the Council;

  • overview of the whistle blowing policy;
  • overview of corporate complaints handling and Ombudsman investigations;
  • reviewing the implementation of recommendations made by the Ombudsman;
  • oversight of the Constitution;
  • considering and determining applications for exemption to the requirements in relation to politically restricted posts.

Membership

Contact information

Support officer: Pam Denton. Email: pam.denton@wiltshire.gov.uk

Postal address:
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
BA14 8JN

Phone: 01225 718371

Email: pam.denton@wiltshire.gov.uk