The Standards Committee of Swansea Council met on Friday, 23 October 2026, to discuss ethical governance, feedback from a community council forum, and reports from the Ombudsman Wales. The committee approved the agenda item 'Ethical Governance and Member Induction following Local Government Elections 2027', noted feedback from the Community/Town Councils Forum, and received the Ombudsman Wales's annual report and accounts for information.

Ethical Governance and Member Induction following Local Government Elections 2027

The committee approved the agenda item concerning plans for a dedicated ethical governance element within the Councillor Induction and Training Programme 2027. This programme aims to ensure that both new and returning councillors understand the ethical standards expected of them, their responsibilities under the Code of Conduct, and the support available. The core areas to be covered include understanding the Code of Conduct, managing interests, conduct and relationships, information and communication, and advice, complaints, and resolution processes. A further report detailing the proposed content and delivery arrangements will be presented to the committee before the May 2027 elections.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about the appraisal process for councillors. It was clarified that while the council has a duty to put an appraisal system in place, there is no duty for councillors to undertake it. The responsibility largely lies with individual councillors or their political groups. The impact of the Local Government Act 2021, which places a duty on group leaders to ensure the conduct of their councillors, was also noted.

Concerns were also raised about the information provided to potential candidates before elections. Huw Evans, Head of Democratic Services, explained that information is available on the council website, and key documents are provided when candidates request nomination papers. A voluntary code for prospective candidates was introduced in May 2022, but its effectiveness was limited as it was not always adhered to by all candidates. The discussion highlighted the challenges in ensuring candidates fully understand their duties and responsibilities before standing for election, as their primary focus is often on campaigning.

Carrie Townsend Jones, Community/Town Council Representative, highlighted that there are even fewer requirements for town and community councillors regarding pre-election awareness and training. She expressed frustration at the lack of sanctions for those who do not undertake training and suggested that town and community councils should also have access to continuing development opportunities.

The committee also discussed the potential inclusion of topics such as ethical decision-making, evidence-based decision-making, and the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on bias and disinformation. Huw Evans noted that Swansea Council has recently adopted an AI policy, but acknowledged the rapid development of AI. He also mentioned that the council has been promoting Pan-Wales training on fake news and AI-related disinformation.

Feedback from the Community / Town Councils Forum

The committee noted the feedback from the Community / Town Councils Forum held on 12 October 2026. Janet Pardue-Wood, Chair of the Standards Committee, and David Roberts, Lay Member of the Governance & Audit Committee, attended the forum. While the work of the Standards Committee regarding the Code of Conduct questionnaire was generally acknowledged and welcomed, the feedback from the forum itself was described as stony silence. It was suggested that the questionnaire could be reissued next year, perhaps six months after the new councils are in place, to encourage a wider response. The committee agreed that training items should be a standard part of future meetings.

Ombudsman Wales Closing a chapter, looking to the future Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26

The committee received the Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 from Ombudsman Wales for information. Huw Evans highlighted that while the report is lengthy, the sections relevant to the committee focus on Code of Conduct complaints. He noted a 3% increase in Code of Conduct complaints compared to the previous year, with 58% of these relating to town and community councils. However, he also pointed out that many complaints do not meet the Ombudsman's thresholds for investigation. The report also indicated an increase in investigations undertaken by the Ombudsman.

David Roberts, Lay Member of the Governance & Audit Committee, suggested that equality and respect should be a main topic for training beyond May 2027, linking it to the Civility and Respect Pledge. Huw Evans confirmed that a Wales-specific pledge is now in place and encouraged community councils to sign up.

The committee also discussed the timeliness of Ombudsman reports and the need for clearer communication from the Ombudsman's office regarding ongoing investigations.

Breach of Code of Conduct - Complaints made to Ombudsman Wales

The committee was informed about two complaints made to the Ombudsman Wales. One complaint against Swansea Council resulted in no further action. A complaint concerning Gowerton Community Council is ongoing, with the Ombudsman stating they are not investigating.

Exclusion of the Public

The committee approved the agenda item 'Exclusion of the Public'. This was advised by Lucy Moore, Chief Legal Officer and Monitoring Officer, due to the potential for prejudicial information relating to individuals to be discussed, as outlined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The committee approved the agenda item 'Minutes', and noted the disclosures of personal and prejudicial interests. The committee also approved the agenda item 'Request(s) for Dispensation'.