Decision Maker: Standards Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: June 9, 2025

Purpose:

Content:   DECISION:   To adopt the following as the Standards Committee’s self-evaluation of its performance in 2024/25     FUNCTION ASSESSMENT (1/2/3/4) Evidence Further Action Promote and maintain a high standard of conduct amongst members   1 The Chair and Vice Chair have the Welsh Standards Forum to share experiences with other standards committees.       Submit an annual report to the Full Council.     . Continue to attend and support     Assist the members to keep to the Code of Conduct   1 The Monitoring Officer and his team provide advice and guidance in meetings and on a one to one basis.       Advise the Council regarding adopting or amending the Code of Conduct   1 There were no instances where a need to amend the code arose.       Monitor the operation of the Code of Conduct   1 Receive regular reports on allegations against members   Receive the annual reports of the Adjudication Panel for Wales and the Ombudsman         Continue to monitor.   . Receive annual reports on the declaration of interests register.   Advise, train or arrange training for members on matters relating to the Code of Conduct   2 Training Sessions on the Code of Conduct were undertaken during the year – 2 sessions in December and April. The course is now available as an online resource   Consider new training for Council Members. Grant dispensations to members   1 There were no instances of making such a decision in the course of the year.   Deal with reports of tribunals and any reports from the Monitoring Officer on matters referred by the Ombudsman   1 There was no relevant instance during the year.   Authorise the Monitoring Officer to pay allowances to persons assisting with an investigation   1 No occasion has arisen   Monitoring compliance by leaders of political groups on the council with their duties under section 52A(1) Local Government Act 2000;             Advising, training or arranging to train leaders of political groups on the council about matters relating to those duties. 2 A joint session was arranged  with Group Leaders and members of the Standards Committee to consider the duty     A meeting was held between the Chair and the Monitoring Officer with the new Leader of the Plaid Cymru Group in the context  of the duty   The Monitoring Officer has met with the Group Leaders individually to discuss Code of Conduct issues The arrangements will be undertaken in accordance with the statutory guidance. Exercise the relevant above functions in relation to community councils   1 The Monitoring Officer and his team provide advice and guidance to councils, members and clerks.   A training programme has been started during the year with two sessions held during March.   To continue with the courses and provide an on- line resource.