Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee notes the findings of the report;

(b)       That the Monitoring Officer explores whether a national forum for Independent Members can be established; and

(c)        That the Committee receives training on hearings only when a hearing was imminent. 

The Monitoring Officer introduced a report to share the findings of a report  by Richard Penn, a former Chief Executive (latterly at Bradford City Council),  following his review of the Ethical Standards Framework, and the  Welsh Government’s (WG) response. 

The Monitoring Officer provided background information and explained that the terms of the review were as detailed in the report.   He advised that a link was  provided in the report to the written statement from the WG in response to the Penn report.  The Monitoring Officer reported on the findings of the Penn review as detailed in the report.  Some of the findings were statements and others were best practice recommendation.

Councillor Mared Eastwood asked if a member had been offered or provided  with training relating to poor behaviour would this be taken into account in any subsequent formal complaint was made or investigation undertaken.   The Monitoring Officer explained that training was taken into account by the Public Services Ombudsman and may recommend that training be provided in some cases.

Gill Murgatroyd said the WG had not yet indicated which findings it proposed to action and referring to the Local Government elections taking place in May 2022, asked when this would be made known.  The Monitoring Officer explained that it was expected that the WG would make changes to the Code of Conduct for Councillors before May 2022 but other changes may take place later.  

Janet Jones asked how Town/Community Councillors could be encouraged and supported to engage in training.  The Monitoring Officer advised that attendance at training was voluntary and suggested that the Clerk could give a copy of the Public Services Ombudsman’s guidance for Town and Community Councils;  raise awareness of virtual training provision; and that the option of a training event being hosted by a Town or Community Council in the future be considered.

The Chair drew attention  to the third recommendation in the report and asked the Committee to consider whether it wished to receive training on the holding of hearings now, and again when a hearing was due to to take place.  Following discussion the Chair proposed that the Committee received training on hearings only when a hearing was imminent.  Jacqueline Guest seconded the motion.  The recommendation was carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee notes the findings of the report;

(b)       That the Monitoring Officer explores whether a national forum for Independent Members can be established; and

(c)        That the Committee receives training on hearings only when a hearing was imminent.