The Ethical Governance and Personnel Committee convened to address a complaint against a parish councillor and to confirm the minutes of their previous meeting. The committee found that the parish councillor had breached the code of conduct and requested a formal written apology from them. They also approved the minutes of the meeting held on 24 June.

Complaint 2024/26

The committee considered the report of the independent investigator, Gill Sinclair, regarding a complaint about a parish councillor. The investigator concluded that the councillor had breached the code of conduct by accusing the complainant of pressuring or coercing a colleague and by telling the complainant to stop interrupting. However, the investigator found no breach in relation to the councillor questioning the complainant about an agenda item.

Gordon Grimes, Independent Person, agreed with the investigator's findings and highlighted that an apology might have prevented the complaint from escalating.

The committee determined that the councillor's actions, specifically the accusations of pressuring/coercing a colleague and telling the complainant to stop interrupting, did breach the parish council's code of conduct, violating the general obligation to treat others with respect.

The committee decided that the councillor should be informed that their conduct fell short of expectations and reminded that they are responsible for their actions and should not blame the complainant for prompting the behaviour. The committee requested that the councillor send a formal written apology to the complainant within one calendar month, failing which a press release would be issued.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 June were confirmed as a correct record.