The Standards Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for 29 April 2025 was set to review the council's work programmes for the current and upcoming municipal years, alongside updates on the ethical framework and member development. The committee was also scheduled to consider its annual report to the Council.

Work Programmes for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026

The committee was scheduled to consider and agree its work programme for the remainder of the 2024-2025 municipal year. This included reviewing updates on the ethical framework, member development, and the terms of reference for the Standards Advisory Committee itself.

Looking ahead, the committee was also set to consider and agree the proposed work programme for the 2025-2026 municipal year. This programme indicated ongoing updates on the ethical framework, including declarations of interest and gifts and hospitality, as well as code of conduct complaints. It also outlined plans for the Standards Advisory Committee's own work programme and its annual report to the Council.

Ethical Framework Update

A report was scheduled to provide the committee with an update on the council's ethical framework. This included information on declarations of interests made by the Mayor and Councillors at meetings between 29 November 2024 and 11 April 2025. The report also detailed gifts and hospitality declared by the Mayor and Councillors during the same period. It was noted that some declarations of gifts and hospitality were made outside the standard 28-day timeframe, with advice issued to ensure all declarations are sent to Democratic Services.

Standards Advisory Committee Annual Report

The committee was asked to consider and agree the draft Annual Report of the Standards Advisory Committee. This report provides an overview of the committee's work during the previous municipal year and outlines future considerations. The draft report detailed the committee's roles, including monitoring procedures for registers of interests and declarations of gifts and hospitality, making recommendations on dispensation applications, and advising on the Code of Conduct for Members. It also summarised the committee's meetings and key topics discussed during the 2024-2025 municipal year, such as the Code of Conduct Complaints Procedure, the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Report, and consultations on remote meetings and proxy voting.

Member Development Programme Update

An update on the Member Development Programme was scheduled for discussion. This report reviewed the implementation of the 2025-2028 Member Development Strategy and the 2025/26 Annual Programme. The strategy aims to provide a framework for effective training for Members, with key highlights including Personal Development Plans, a Casework Buddy and Shadowing scheme, and the development of a Member's Information Portal and Digital Library. The programme outlines a range of workshops for the 2025/26 year, covering topics such as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Safeguarding Adults, Mental Health and Personal Resilience, and Coping with the Rising Cost of Living Crisis. The report also detailed the role descriptions for councillors and the responsibilities within member development, emphasizing a commitment to equitable access to training and development.

Constitutional Review Update

The committee was to receive an update on the constitutional review, specifically concerning the Terms of Reference for the Standards Advisory Committee and the terms of office for Independent Members. Suggestions made by the Constitution Review Working Group were to be made available at the meeting.

Update on Complaints

A report was scheduled to provide an update on complaints received or actioned. The appendix to this report was expected to detail each complaint and the progress or decision taken by the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Independent Person where appropriate.