The Standards Committee of Westminster Council met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to review its work over the past two years and to consider its future work programme. The meeting's agenda included a biennial report on standards, an update on member complaints, and a discussion on the council's work programme for the upcoming year.

Biennial Standards Committee Report

The committee was scheduled to consider a biennial report covering the period from March 2024 to March 2026. This report was intended to highlight the work undertaken by the Standards Committee and key matters it had considered. The report's purpose was to underscore the council's commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct among its councillors and to identify areas for improvement.

The report detailed the committee's role in overseeing the Members' Code of Conduct, promoting good conduct, and ensuring fair and transparent processes for dealing with standards issues. It also outlined the work of the council's Monitoring Officer and Independent Persons, who provide advice and oversight to the standards regime.

Key achievements highlighted in the report for the 2024-2026 period included:

• Maintaining a clear and effective ethical framework.
• Reinforcing expectations for conduct at council meetings.
• Strengthening and refreshing the Member/Officer Protocol.
• Improving the focus on councillor safety and wellbeing.
• Continuing support through Code of Conduct training.
• Reinforcing leadership accountability for ethical standards.
• Strengthening transparency through biennial reporting.

The report also discussed themes and outcomes from the committee's work, including oversight of the ethical framework, leadership engagement, councillor-officer relationships, councillor safety and wellbeing, training and development, monitoring of member complaints, and preparations for potential changes to the national standards regime. The report noted that the council's ethical framework is underpinned by the Seven Principles of Public Life, also known as the Nolan Principles: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership. These principles are enshrined in section 28 of the Localism Act 2011.

The committee was asked to consider and comment on the draft Biennial Standards Committee Report and to recommend it to Full Council for discussion and noting.

Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review its proposed work programme for 2026–2027. This included noting the biennial report and receiving an annual update on member complaints. A key item for discussion was the Government's proposals for reform of the national standards framework, including the potential introduction of a mandatory national code of conduct, changes to the structure of Standards Committees, and a strengthened sanctions regime. The report indicated that the timing of any legislative changes remained uncertain.

The committee's Terms of Reference, as set out in the council's Constitution, were also provided. These outline the committee's responsibilities, which include promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct, advising on the Code of Conduct, assisting members in observing the code, monitoring its operation, and considering reports of investigations into alleged breaches.

The work programme for 25 June 2026 included the consideration of the Biennial Standards Committee Report. Future planned items included an Annual Update on Member Complaints and an Annual Q&A with the Leader of the Council on Ethical Standards, scheduled for 3 December 2026.

Member Complaints - Annual Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of complaints submitted against members of the council in the previous year. The report indicated that four complaints had been received, with no common theme identified, and none had been referred to the Standards Committee for a hearing. Members were to be pleased to note that complaints would continue to be monitored for themes and trends to inform recommendations for additional training and guidance. The importance of ongoing code of conduct training was discussed, with suggestions to make sessions engaging and incorporate relevant case studies. The committee was asked to note the outcomes of the members' complaints referred to in the report.