The Member Development and Standards Sub Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the annual report of the Panel of Independent Persons, review the 2025 Member Induction Programme, and consider the future programme for member learning and development.

Annual Report of the Panel of Independent Persons

The sub committee were scheduled to consider the annual report of the Panel of Independent Persons (the Panel). The Panel was established in July 2021 to consider complaints against elected or co-opted members of the City of London Corporation, and to consider applications for dispensations for members to participate in meetings where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest¹. The report covered the period May 2024 to June 2025, and noted that the Panel currently has ten members, following the resignation of two members. The report stated that two existing Independent Persons would also rotate off the Panel at the end of 2025, and allow for the recruitment of four new Independent Persons to the Panel.

During the reporting period, the Panel considered two applications for dispensation, and one formal complaint. The complaint was made by officers against a member, alleging breaches of the code of conduct, including:

• failing to act impartially
• failing to support the Nolan principles[^2]
• bringing the office into disrepute
• failing to uphold the Corporation's obligations under the Equality Act 2010 [^2]: The Nolan principles, also known as the seven principles of public life, are standards of ethical behaviour expected of public office holders. They include selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

The assessment panel determined that the complaint was admissible, but that no further action should be taken given that the subject member had apologised.

The report also included a request from the Panel to review the day rate paid to Independent Persons, which has remained at £300 since January 2021.

Review of the 2025 Member Induction Programme

The sub committee were scheduled to discuss the Member Induction Programme that was delivered to new and returning members following the ward elections on 19 and 20 March 2025.

The induction programme included:

• Two New Member Induction Days
• A series of hybrid briefings on key issues
• A new Member's Portal
• A new Member Buddying Scheme

The report noted that the Town Clerk had received positive feedback on the Member Induction as a whole, and that feedback from both new and returning members indicated that the induction programme was an overall success.

Members were invited to provide suggestions on how future inductions can be improved, in terms of the focus and timing of events, any gaps in the initial training, as well as any improvements that could be made to the Member's Portal. Members were also invited to consider whether improvements could be made to the Member Buddying Scheme and/or whether the scheme should be repeated for future intakes.

Member Learning and Development - Future Programme

The sub committee were scheduled to discuss proposals for the rolling Member Development programme which will commence in September 2025 after the summer recess.

A report included in the supplemental agenda pack included the 2023-2025 Member Learning and Development Strategy. The strategy sets out how member learning and development needs will be identified and met, and includes a rolling programme of events.

The strategy stated that the Member Development and Standards Sub-Committee has a number of responsibilities including:

• Development and review of a learning and development strategy that is relevant to, and continues to meet the needs of, all Members.
• Developing a comprehensive induction programme for all new Members as they join the Court
• Establishing a range of development opportunities which Members may pursue individually or in groups, based on an analysis of their needs
• Setting out and monitoring a budget allocated to Member development and ensuring it is used effectively and delivers value for money
• Ensuring Members are made aware of, and encouraged to pursue, all the learning and development opportunities that are available
• Monitoring how learning and development opportunities formally as part of a structured Member Learning and Development Programme and also informally - are being delivered across the organisation, and their effectiveness
• Monitoring Member involvement in the learning and development activities that are provided and take relevant action, as required, to improve attendance/ participation.

The strategy also included a list of training courses that are offered to members, including:

• Code of Conduct
• City of London Decision-Making Process
• Planning Training
• Licensing Training
• Safeguarding and other essential Governor Training
• Charities Training / Basic Trustees Training
• Chairing Training
• Working Together
• Managing Conflict
• Leading through Change
• Microaggressions
• Public Speaking
• Elections
• Corporate Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy
• Problem Solving, Scrutiny and Analyical Skills
• Media Awareness and Social Media
• IT Training
• Procurement Awareness
• Equality Diversity and Inclusion
• City's Financial Framework
• Corporate Parenting
• Office of the Lord Mayor and Shrievalty
• City's Relations with Parliament
• Competitiveness Strategy
• Organisational Performance and Officer Governance
• Destination City Strategy
• The Corporate Plan
• City's Climate Action Strategy
• Safeguarding Responsibilities
• Mental Health (Line Managers Guide)
• Conflict Resolution
• Data Protection
• Digital Skills Training
• Equality Analysis
• Influencing, Assertiveness and Negotiating
• Managing yourself and your time
• Our Social Media Policy
• Recruitment and Selection Refresher
• See Check and Notify
• Safeguaring Young People
• Stress Awareness
• Equality & Incluson and our Commitment
• Safer Recruitment
• Transgender Awareness
• Unconscious Bias
• Sustainability and Environmental Issues
• Spelling Grammar and Punctuation
• Secure Remote Working
• Health & Safety and Wellbeing Introduction
• Freedom of Information Act

The strategy also sets out a rolling programme of training events, which is delivered on a quarterly themed basis.