The Standards Committee of Westminster Council met on Thursday 22nd February 2024 to review its Biennial Standards Committee Report and discuss its Work Programme for the upcoming year. A revised version of the Biennial Report will be prepared following feedback on its format, and the Member/Officer Protocol review, including diversity, has been added to the Work Programme for the February 2025 meeting.

Biennial Standards Committee Report

The Committee considered the Biennial Standards Committee Report, which covers the period from March 2022 to March 2024. This report, the third of its kind, highlights the work undertaken by the Committee and its achievements over the past two years. It includes a Statement of Ethical Standards and now incorporates the Nolan Principles¹.

Key achievements noted in the report include:

• The production of the second Biennial Standards Committee report.
• A review and amendment of the Member/Officer Protocol to foster stronger relationships between Members and Officers.
• A review of the City Council's rules of debate to ensure meetings remain respectful and constructive.
• Proactive measures to address the personal safety of elected Members.
• Continued provision of guidance and training for Members on the City Council's Code of Conduct.
• Raising the profile of standards through presentations to Full Council and an annual Q&A session with the Leader of the Council.

The Committee discussed the format of the report, requesting revisions to the colours, images, and orientation. There was also a request to include photographs of the Independent Persons and the former Chair of the Committee. A revised version of the report will be prepared and circulated for comments and approval. The report will be recommended to Full Council for noting.

Work Programme

The Committee reviewed its proposed Work Programme for 2024-2025. Councillor Md Shamsed Chowdhury requested that a review of the Member/Officer Protocol be included, noting that some newly elected Councillors may not have had the opportunity to contribute to its initial development in 2022. Councillor Sara Hassan suggested that the issue of diversity be incorporated into this review.

It was agreed that the review of the Member/Officer Protocol, including diversity, would be added to the Work Programme and scheduled for the February 2025 meeting. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that work on this review would commence in the coming months. Consultation on the protocol review will be conducted via the Leaders of both political groups and the Whips.

Due to a lack of further business, the Committee agreed to cancel the meeting scheduled for 11 July 2024.