The Standards and Ethics Committee of Rotherham Council convened on 13 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the outcome of a sub-committee hearing regarding an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct by Thurcroft Parish Councillor David Fretwell, a review of concerns raised under the Whistleblowing Policy, and the handling of complaints related to breaches of the Council’s Code of Conduct.

Outcome of Standards and Ethics Sub-Committee Hearing

The committee reviewed the outcome of a Standards and Ethics Sub-Committee hearing held on 19 February 2024 concerning an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct by Thurcroft Parish Councillor David Fretwell. The Deputy Monitoring Officer presented the report, which included the full Decision Notice and minutes of the hearing. The committee discussed the details of the complaints and the recommendations made by the sub-committee. The Monitoring Officer assured that relevant training would be provided at a future Parish Council meeting. The committee resolved to note the outcome of the hearing.

Review of Concerns Raised Pursuant to the Whistleblowing Policy

The Deputy Monitoring Officer presented a report and appendix providing an overview of Whistleblowing cases received over the past year. The report aimed to identify any emerging trends from the concerns raised. The appendix detailed the description of the concerns and the actions taken. The committee resolved to note the Whistleblowing concerns raised and the actions taken to address them.

Review of Complaints

The committee considered a report from the Deputy Monitoring Officer on the progress of handling complaints related to breaches of the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members and Town and Parish Councillors. The report listed current complaints and the actions being taken for each case. It was noted that investigations would cease if the Subject Member ceased to be a Parish or Borough Councillor. The committee resolved to note the contents of the report.

Urgent Business

The Chair expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone involved with the Standards and Ethics Committee, including Elected, Parish, and Independent Members, Independent Persons, and associated officers. The Vice-Chair, on behalf of the committee, also thanked the Chair for her open and fair conduct of meetings and wished her well in her retirement.

The next meeting of the Standards and Ethics Committee is scheduled for Thursday, 13 June 2024, at 2.00 p.m. at the Town Hall.