The Neath Port Talbot Council Standards Committee met to discuss several key issues, including a review of the members' code of conduct, attendance at council and community council meetings, and the results of an elected member survey. The committee also reviewed the council's whistleblowing policy and a member indemnity protocol.

Elected Member Survey Results and Action Plan

The committee reviewed the results of a recent survey of elected members regarding their experiences with bullying, harassment, and discrimination. The survey, which had a response rate of just over 20%, revealed that a significant number of respondents had experienced bullying and harassment during their term, primarily online or within the local community. Discrimination was reported less frequently, but with concerns raised around gender inclusivity.

The survey also highlighted barriers to formal reporting, including fear of repercussions and a lack of confidence in the reporting process. Satisfaction with outcomes was generally low among those who did report incidents.

To address these issues, a provisional action plan was presented, including:

• Training and awareness programmes for elected members.
• Clear behavioural standards and public engagement guidelines.
• Confidential reporting mechanisms and clear reporting pathways.
• Dedicated support officers and safety planning.
• Incident logging and data analysis.

The committee discussed the action plan and invited members to highlight additional areas for consideration and implementation.

Observation of Council and Community Council Meetings

The committee agreed to a protocol for members of the Standards Committee to observe meetings of both Neath Port Talbot Council and the various town and community councils within its jurisdiction. The aim is to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by councillors.

As part of the protocol, Standards Committee members will complete a feedback form after attending meetings, focusing on matters relating to the Members' Code of Conduct. The feedback will then be discussed by the Standards Committee quarterly, and a copy will be sent to the relevant town or community council.

A revised observation form was approved for use, with a focus on issues where the Standards Committee can have a greater impact through observations and recommendations.

A calendar of meetings for Neath Port Talbot Council and various town and community councils was provided to assist members in identifying meetings to observe. This included meetings for Blaengwrach Community Council, Briton Ferry Town Council, Glynneath Town Council, and Neath Town Council.

Annual Review of Member's Code of Conduct

The committee undertook its annual review of the Members' Code of Conduct. The Head of Legal and Democratic Services, Mr Craig Griffiths, presented a report outlining the code's purpose and importance in maintaining appropriate standards of conduct.

The committee considered integrating the Nolan Principles¹ more explicitly into the code. The Nolan Principles are: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

The Nolan Principles provide a foundational ethical framework for anyone in public office. Including them in a Members' Code of Conduct:

- Reinforces Ethical Standards: It reminds members of the core values expected in public service—selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. - Promotes Public Trust: By explicitly referencing these principles, the Code signals a commitment to transparency and ethical governance, which helps build and maintain public confidence. - Guides Decision-Making: The principles offer a moral compass for members when facing complex or ambiguous situations not explicitly covered by rules. - Supports Accountability: Embedding the principles in the Code provides a benchmark against which members' behaviour can be assessed.

- The inclusion is consistent with the Model Code of Conduct and similar frameworks already adopted across many councils and public bodies in the UK.

If the Standards Committee supports this amendment, a revised Code of Conduct will be taken to Full Council for adoption.

Code of Conduct Confidential Reporting Procedure

The committee reviewed and commended to the Full Council a draft Confidential Reporting Procedure linked to the Members Code of Conduct. This procedure aims to provide clarity for members on the process for reporting concerns about conduct that may involve criminal behaviour.

Paragraph 2.6(b) of the Members Code of Conduct states a member must report, whether through your authority's confidential reporting procedure or direct to the proper authority, any conduct by another member or anyone who works for, or on behalf of, your authority which you reasonably believe involves or is likely to involve criminal behaviour (which for the purposes of this paragraph does not include offences or behaviour capable of punishment by way of a fixed penalty);

The Confidential Reporting Procedure outlines the scope of the procedure, matters to which it does not apply, confidentiality, and the process for reporting concerns.

Member Indemnity – Code of Conduct

The committee reviewed and approved the Member Indemnity Protocol. The protocol outlines how the indemnity functions, including the circumstances in which sums paid by the council must be reimbursed.

The Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Constitution provides an indemnity to all elected members covering the cost of defending an allegation of a breach of the Members' Code of Conduct, up to a ceiling of £20,000.

The protocol sets out the extent of the indemnity and the process that must be followed, including the requirement for members to sign an acceptance form before any amounts are paid.

Neath Port Talbot Council Whistleblowing Policy

The committee reviewed the Neath Port Talbot Council Whistleblowing Policy. The policy encourages employees and others to report suspected misconduct, illegal acts, or failures to act within the council.

The policy is designed to ensure that concerns can be raised without fear of victimisation and that all allegations of malpractice or misconduct are thoroughly investigated.

The committee noted the content of the policy and provided comments and recommendations for consideration.

Recent Decisions of the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales Relating to Members Code of Conduct Breaches

The committee received an overview of the outcome of Code of Conduct cases reported by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales between August 2024 and March 2025.

The report provided summaries of 12 cases, including the relevant body, subject, and outcome. Most cases resulted in no further action necessary.

Local Resolution Procedure

The committee was informed of recent guidance issued by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales regarding local authorities' Local Resolution Procedures (LRPs). The council's current LRP was considered compliant with the guidance, and no amendments were deemed necessary.

The LRP is intended to deal with low-level complaints between members of the council and, where appropriate, complaints between officers and members, on an informal basis and at a local level.