The East Surrey Shadow Authority Standards Committee met on Tuesday 7 July 2026 to endorse the Member Development Programme and to recommend appointments for Independent Persons. The committee also discussed the process for developing a new Members' Code of Conduct and Member-Officer Protocol.

East Surrey Shadow Authority Member Development Programme

The Committee considered a report outlining the Member Development Programme for the East Surrey Shadow Authority, which aims to equip councillors with the necessary skills for their roles during the shadow period and in preparation for the transition to the East Surrey Council on 1 April 2027. The programme has progressed through induction (Phase 0) and mandatory committee training (Phase 1), with Phase 2 set to focus on detailed training for services and functions transferring to the new authority. The programme utilises a mix of officer-led sessions, external providers, and expertise from existing authorities, with flexible delivery methods including in-person, online, and hybrid options. The committee welcomed the emphasis on accessibility and the recording of sessions for those unable to attend.

Members provided feedback on the Phase 2 programme, suggesting specific training in planning, including development management, strategic planning, and decision-making exercises. They also highlighted the importance of training in broader competencies such as casework management and understanding the responsibilities transferring from existing authorities. The committee supported drawing on the experience of current local authority members and officers, and suggested incorporating topics like climate change, environmental matters, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence literacy. The importance of monitoring and clear communication regarding mandatory training attendance was stressed, alongside ongoing member involvement in shaping future development.

The Committee resolved to endorse the Member Development Programme Delivery Approach and Principles, note the arrangements for Phase 1 and the reporting of mandatory training coverage, and to proceed with arrangements for Phase 2, taking feedback into account. Progress reports for Phases 1 and 2 are to be submitted in September and November 2026.

Appointment of Independent Persons to the East Surrey Shadow Authority

The Committee considered a report on the appointment of Independent Persons to assist with handling complaints about elected and co-opted members until 31 March 2027, as required by the Localism Act 2011. Expressions of interest were sought from existing Independent Persons within Surrey's twelve sovereign authorities, with seven positive responses received. The proposed pool of Independent Persons would serve both East Surrey and West Surrey, aiming to provide capacity, resilience, and effective management of conflicts of interest.

While welcoming the willingness of the seven applicants, who were all existing Independent Persons, concerns were raised about the level of supporting information provided for two candidates. The Committee concluded that it could not make sufficiently informed recommendations for these individuals without further information. Recommendations were made for five candidates, with the possibility of future appointments if additional information becomes available or if more capacity is required.

The Committee recommended to the Shadow Authority that Jane Clarke, Bill Donnelly, John Smith, Dean Spears, and Tim Stokes be appointed as Independent Persons until 31 March 2027. They also recommended that an annual allowance of £1,159, pro rata, plus travel expenses, be paid to each appointee, in line with the East Surrey Shadow Authority's Members' Allowance Scheme. The Committee also resolved that officers should seek further information on the remaining candidates and report back if further appointments are considered necessary.

Process for Developing Members' Code of Conduct and Member-Officer Protocol

The Committee discussed the process for developing a new Members' Code of Conduct and Member-Officer Protocol for the East Surrey Council, which will be required from Vesting Day on 1 April 2027. While the Shadow Authority had already adopted these documents for its own constitution, new versions will be needed for the future council. The responsibility for developing the new constitution lies with the Constitution Committee, with the Standards Committee tasked with reviewing and recommending the Code of Conduct and Member-Officer Protocol.

The review will largely be based on the Local Government Association Model Code of Conduct and established national best practices. Draft documents will be prepared in consultation with the Chair, and informal sessions will be held with Standards Committee members in September and October to gather feedback before formal consideration in November. The review will also incorporate principles from the Debate Not Hate campaign and the Jo Cox Foundation pledge, both adopted by the Shadow Authority. Members suggested identifying differences between existing codes of conduct across Surrey authorities and highlighting any proposed preferred approaches.

The Committee approved the proposed process and timetable. They resolved that the Interim Monitoring Officer would present draft documents to the Committee on 3 November 2026 for recommendation to the Constitution Committee.