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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED – That the report be noted. Reason for decision To review the Code of Conduct and Confidential Reporting Procedure for Members.
RESOLVED – That the report be noted. Reason for decision To fulfil the Standards Committee functions of overseeing the Council’s whistleblowing regime.
RESOLVED - that Group Leaders be invited to attend a private Meeting with independent Members of this Committee.
RESOLVED – That the information be noted. Reason for decision To note the quarterly meetings of the Committee in 2025/26.
RESOLVED – That Steve Tilston be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee for a period of not less than four nor more than six years; or until his term of office as an independent member comes to an end.
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 March 2025 were submitted. RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 March 2025 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the report be noted. Reason for decision To review the Code of Conduct and Confidential Reporting Procedure for Members.
The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (COGC/44/25) to review the Confidential Reporting Procedure linked to the Code of Conduct for Members. RESOLVED – That the report be noted. Reason for decision To review the Code of Conduct and Confidential Reporting Procedure for Members.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the report be noted. Reason for decision To fulfil the Standards Committee functions of overseeing the Council’s whistleblowing regime.
The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (COGC/43/25) to advise on the operation of the Whistleblowing Policy. She presented the report, and a debate ensued. The following points were raised: · An internal audit of the Whistleblowing procedures covering the years 2023/24 and 2024/25 has been completed and as there were no concerns identified, it was suggested that the Policy remain unchanged. · Confirmation that Audit Wales monitor the Council’s annual governance arrangements, ensuring adherence to appropriate guidance and legislation. Should any issues arise, Audit Wales had the authority to intervene and carry out an inspection if necessary. RESOLVED – That the report be noted. Reason for decision To fulfil the Standards Committee functions of overseeing the Council’s whistleblowing regime.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - that Group Leaders be invited to attend a private Meeting with independent Members of this Committee.
The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (COGC/42/25) asking Members to agree the draft Annual Report of the Standards Committee. She presented the report and responded to Members questions accordingly. A debate ensued and the following points were highlighted: · Members were advised that the final annual report would be presented to Council in September, and would incorporate any comments or feedback received today. · Confirmation that the Monitoring Officer wasn’t obliged to share complaints regarding a Councillor’s behaviour with their Group Leader. It was a matter for the individual Councillor to decide if they wished to share the information, but if the matter proceeded to the Ombudsman, it had to remain confidential. It was noted that in certain circumstances, the Monitoring Officer would suggest informing the Group Leader. · Suggestion that the Group Leaders be invited to attend a private Meeting with independent Members of this Committee to discuss their responses in further detail. · Concern that some Group Leaders mentioned misconduct in Meetings. · Noted that attendance at equality training had been relatively low. · Importance of ensuring Group Leaders were provided with a supportive response and the opportunity to prompt dialogue between themselves and this Committee. RESOLVED - that Group Leaders be invited to attend a private Meeting with independent Members of this Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the information be noted. Reason for decision To note the quarterly meetings of the Committee in 2025/26.
The dates for quarterly meetings of the Committee in 2025/26 were submitted. It was suggested that future Meetings should operate as hybrid so that Members had the option of attending in person at the Guildhall or joining remotely. Whilst Meetings had been scheduled to start at 3pm, Members were requested to contact the Committee Officer if they had any feedback/alternative suggestions regarding the start time. RESOLVED – That the information be noted. Reason for decision To note the quarterly meetings of the Committee in 2025/26.
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