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.
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(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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