Committee details

Terms of Reference:

·                    Generally, in relation to the code of conduct for members and co-opted members, and in relation to local codes of conduct or protocols

o       To promote and maintain high standards of conduct by councillors and co-opted members.

o       To assist the councillors and co-opted members to observe the councillors’ codes of conduct and protocols.

o       To advise the council on the adoption or revision of the codes and protocols.

·                    To monitor the operation of the councillors’ code of conduct.

·                    To advise, train or arrange to train councillors and co-opted members on matters relating to the councillors’ code of conduct.

·                    To grant dispensations to councillors and co-opted members from requirements relating to interests set out in the councillors’ code of conduct.

·                    To deal with any reports from a case tribunal or interim case tribunal, and any report from the monitoring officer on any matter referred by an ethical standards officer to the monitoring officer.

·                    The exercise of the above functions in relation to the parish/town councils in its area and the town/parish councillors.

·                    To suspend in whole or in part the allowances payable to a councillor wholly or partially suspended because of a breach of the code of conduct.

·                    To make recommendations to the council or the executive (as appropriate) on the adoption of local codes of conduct and protocols.

·                    To make recommendations to council on the appointment of independent members and town/parish council representatives to the standards committee.

·                    To consider applications from employees who hold politically restricted posts for political exemptions and if appropriate to grant exemptions and to supervise political restrictions.