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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED the Whistleblowing Policy update be approved.
RESOLVED that Jonathan Goolden be appointed to the CJC Standards Committee. RESOLVED that Russell Stafford-Trolley and County Councillor Liz Rijnenberg would continue their term on the CJC Standards Committee.
All members of the Committee were present.
The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2025 as a correct record.
No declarations were received.
The Committee received the report of the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer (copy filed with signed minutes). A. General Standards Issues for County Councillors and Co-opted Members There were no issues to report. B. Members attendance The Committee noted that two members had an attendance level of below 60% for the period 15 May 2025 to 14 May 2026. Both members were asked to review their attendance, and an explanation was provided within the report. · Councillor Tom Colbert – the Committee noted the explanation for the reasons for his absence due to caring responsibilities. · Councillor Bryn Davies – The Committee noted the explanation for the reasons for his absence due to his caring responsibilities. Both Councillors had expressed their commitment to increase attendance. A member of the committee queried if members were aware of support that can be provided through the Members Allowance Schemes, an update would be provided to the committee. C. Referral of County Councillors to the Ombudsman Wales There had been three referrals from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and no updates were received. D. Dispensations Applications - County Councillors No applications for dispensation had been received from County Councillors. E. Ombudsman Wales – Our Findings The Committee noted the Ombudsman for Wales - Our findings F. Adjudication Panel for Wales Details of cases considered by the APW are available via the following link: Decisions | The Adjudication Panel for Wales County Councillor Beverley Baynham left the meeting. G. Observing Council meetings by Standards Committee. The Deputy Monitoring Officer provided the Committee with a verbal update on discussions relating to the Democratic Services meeting held on 4 June 2026. The Committee was advised that recommendations for consideration would be presented to Full Council. A County Councillor suggested that the Chair of Council be invited to attend a future meeting of the Standards Committee to observe proceedings. H. Whistleblowing Cases Two whistleblowing complaints had been received. One complaint was subsequently withdrawn, and the other remains subject to an ongoing investigation. I. Meeting Dates The next meeting would be held on the 14 October 2026 at 10am.
The draft Annual Report 2025-2026 was considered by the Committee. The Chair asked members to send any additional comments to the Cabinet Manager by the 30th June 2026 as the report would be presented to Full Council on the 9th July 2026. It was noted that Group Leader Meetings would take place on the 25th June 2025.
Members considered the report. A verbal update was received from the Deputy Monitoring Officer informing the Committee that all Councillors, Co-opted members and Church and Parent Governor Representatives had completed a review of their registers of interest. A member queried whether registers of interest were reviewed by anyone other than the individual member; it was noted that an update would be provided to the Committee
Members received a verbal report on the number of Councillors that had used General Dispensations during Full Council meetings over the preceding year. It was noted that a review on the terms of General Dispensations would take place following the Council term.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED the Whistleblowing Policy update be approved.
County Councillor Beverley Baynham returned to the meeting. Members considered the report and Whistleblowing Policy. It was moved and duly seconded to include reference to ‘sexual harassment’ being a protected disclosure by virtue of amendments to the Employment Rights Act 2025. RESOLVED the Whistleblowing Policy update be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Jonathan Goolden be appointed to the CJC Standards Committee. RESOLVED that Russell Stafford-Trolley and County Councillor Liz Rijnenberg would continue their term on the CJC Standards Committee.
Jonathan Goolden was duly nominated and seconded, and it was RESOLVED that Jonathan Goolden be appointed to the CJC Standards Committee. RESOLVED that Russell Stafford-Trolley and County Councillor Liz Rijnenberg would continue their term on the CJC Standards Committee.
The Committee noted the work programme and the addition of the following: October 2026 • Review of Group Leaders arrangements. 2027 • Review of terms for General Dispensations A member quired if there was the possibility of a simplified refresher code of conduct training for all Councillors, the Democratic Services Officer would update the committee on this matter.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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