The Standards Advisory Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to review and endorse the Member Induction Plan for 2026 and the Member Learning and Development Strategy for 2026-2030. The committee also received updates on the Register of Interests, Gifts and Hospitality, and a report on Members' Code of Conduct matters.

Member Induction Programme 2026

The committee reviewed and endorsed the Member Induction Plan 2026, designed to onboard new and returning councillors following the May 2026 local elections. The plan includes mandatory training sessions, a welcome evening, and focuses on skills-based learning, utilising external professional trainers. Key suggestions from the committee included incorporating early guidance on social media awareness, safeguarding, stress management, and handling hostility. Further training on Member Enquiry casework, inbox management, and surgeries was also recommended. The committee also felt that social media training should be scheduled earlier in the induction process. A potential formal qualification as part of the programme is being explored with a university.

Member Learning and Development Strategy Review

The committee reviewed and endorsed the draft Member Learning and Development Strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy, initially agreed in 2024, is being updated ahead of the new electoral cycle. It is based on principles of establishing clear mutual expectations, developing leadership skills, supporting inclusive debate, and assisting officers in working within a political environment. The strategy will be submitted to the Monitoring Officer for formal approval. The committee noted that feedback from the Induction Programme would be incorporated, and co-optee catch-up meetings would be scheduled in the autumn.

Register of Interests and Gifts and Hospitality Quarterly Update

Patricia Attawia, Democratic Services Team Leader, presented an update on the Members' Register of Interests and declarations of gifts and hospitality. Two declarations were submitted by councillors during the reporting period. The next update will occur after the May 2026 elections, requiring all members to complete new declarations.

Report on Members' Code of Conduct Matters

Jill Bayley, Head of Safeguarding, reported on complaints and investigations relating to alleged breaches of the Council's Code of Conduct between May 2025 and February 2026. Twenty-one complaints were submitted, covering issues such as delays in responses, social media use, conduct during meetings, and local issues like bin collection. The number of complaints typically increases in the lead-up to elections. Inbox management training was highlighted as crucial. The committee also discussed the importance of cultural awareness and eliminating bias when handling sensitive complaints.

Standards Advisory Committee Draft Annual Report to Council

Jill Bayley presented the draft annual report to the Council, reviewing the committee's activities during the 2025/26 municipal year. The committee was asked to review the draft and suggest any additional topics for inclusion. The report noted that the strategy, initially created for the Local Government Association (LGA) Charter Mark, has been updated and will feature more external trainers and an increased budget.

Work Plan

Matthew Mannion, Corporate Head of Democratic and Governance Services, informed the committee that the current cycle is nearing completion and a new municipal year plan will be created. Feedback from the Induction Programme will shape the future work plan, and committee members were invited to forward any topics for inclusion.

Other Business

The Chair noted that co-opted members had received an email regarding their involvement in the Members' Pledge process, but their request for a meeting to clarify roles had not been adequately addressed. An update on this matter was requested.