This committee is responsible for discharging the functions
(other than those which are reserved to Council) as set out in Part
1, Chapter 7 of the Localism Act 2011, including:
(a) To promote and maintain high standards of
conduct by Members and Co-opted Members of the County Council and
to make recommendations to Council on improving
standards.
(b) To advise the County Council on the adoption of
or revisions to its Code of Conduct.
(c) To advise, train or arrange to train County
Members and Co-opted Members on matters relating to the Code of
Conduct.
(d) To assist the County Councillors and Co-opted
Members to observe their respective Codes of Conduct.
(e) To monitor and assess the operation and
effectiveness of the Code of Conduct and to review and manage the
Arrangements for dealing with Code of Conduct
Complaints.
(f) To advise on local ethical governance protocols
and procedures.
(g) To maintain oversight of the County
Council’s arrangements for dealing with Code of Conduct
complaints.
(h) To act as an advisory body in respect of ethical
governance matters.
(i) To monitor and review the procedures for the
Register of Members’ Interests and declaring gifts and
hospitality.
(j) To receive reports from the Monitoring Officer
on the number and nature of complaints received and action taken as
a result in consultation with the Independent Person.
(k) To receive an annual report on the County
Council’s ethical governance arrangements.
(l) To appointment a sub-committee to deal with Code
of Conduct complaints, following investigation.
(m) To grant dispensations pursuant to section 33(2)
of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraph 8 of the adopted Code of
Conduct where:
(i) without the dispensation, the representation of
different political groups on the body transacting the business
would be so upset as to alter the outcome of any vote on the
matter; or
(ii) that the authority considers that the
dispensation is in the interests of persons living in its area;
or
(iii) where the Committee considers that it is
otherwise appropriate to grant a dispensation.
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