Committee details

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.

Links:

• Kent County Council Code of Conduct
• Members’ Register of Interests
• The Complaints procedure
• Standards Committee Annual Report 2008/09
• Standards Committee Annual Review March 2021