The Standards Committee of Oldham Council met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to discuss matters relating to the conduct of councillors and the relationship between elected members and council officers. The meeting's agenda included a review of the Member Code of Conduct, the Member-Officer Protocol, and the results of an Elected Member Survey.

Review of Member Code of Conduct Matters

The committee was scheduled to review the current Member Code of Conduct, which was last updated in June 2025. This code outlines the expected standards of behaviour for councillors, based on the Seven Principles of Public Life, also known as the Nolan Principles. These principles include acting with integrity, honesty, and impartiality, and treating all individuals with respect. The code details specific obligations for councillors, such as avoiding conflicts of interest, not misusing council resources, and maintaining the impartiality of council officers. It also covers the registration and disclosure of interests, and the acceptance of gifts and hospitality.

The report pack also detailed the arrangements for dealing with complaints made under the Code of Conduct. This procedure outlines how written complaints are received, assessed by the Monitoring Officer, and potentially investigated. It specifies the roles of the Monitoring Officer, the Independent Person, and the Standards Sub-Committee in handling complaints, including the possibility of local resolution or formal hearings. The arrangements also detail the potential actions that can be taken if a breach of the Code of Conduct is found, such as censure or recommendations for removal from committees.

Member-Officer Protocol

A key item on the agenda was the Member-Officer Protocol, which sets out the standards, principles, and working practices governing the relationships between elected members and council officers. The protocol aims to promote effective, respectful, and professional working relationships, clarify respective roles and responsibilities, and protect impartiality in decision-making. It outlines the core duties of both members and officers, emphasizing the importance of frankness, candour, and mutual respect. The protocol also addresses how to resolve concerns and disputes, with a presumption for early and informal resolution, escalating to the Monitoring Officer or formal procedures if necessary. Practical scenarios were included to illustrate expected behaviours in various situations, such as members requesting operational action or disagreements arising during scrutiny.

Elected Member Survey

The committee was also scheduled to note the findings of the Elected Member Survey. This survey was designed to gather information about elected members' experiences, expectations, and needs, with a particular focus on strengthening member-officer relationships. The survey aimed to provide evidence to inform the Council's Improvement Programme and support for members. It covered aspects such as members' understanding of their roles, time commitment, wellbeing, and their working relationships with officers. The survey also explored members' perceptions of the council's governance, decision-making processes, and their own skills development needs. The report pack indicated that responses could be submitted anonymously to ensure candour, with a summary report to be produced and made public.

Composition of Standards Sub-Committee

The committee was also asked to confirm the composition of the Standards Sub-Committee. This sub-committee is responsible for determining referred complaints from the Monitoring Officer and conducting any necessary hearings. The report outlined that the sub-committee would consist of five Oldham Council members, an Independent Person, and, if the matter related to a Parish/Town Council member, at least one Parish/Town Council member. The political balance of the sub-committee was also detailed, with specific allocations for different political groups.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee was also scheduled to approve the minutes of the previous Standards Committee meeting, held on 5 March 2026. The minutes from that meeting indicated a discussion regarding the non-fulfilment of a recommendation for a councillor to send a personal apology, and a general observation that councillor standards across the UK needed improvement.