To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interest (if any) from Members/Officers in accordance with the provisions of the Members’ Code of Conduct adopted by Council on 1 September 2008.

None.

To receive for approval the Minutes of 29/06/2021

RESOLVED:                          That the minutes of a meeting of the Standards Committee dated 29 June 2021, be approved as a true and accurate record.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to note the extension of the term of office of two Independent Members of the Standards Committee.

She confirmed that in accordance with the Standards Committee (Wales) Regulations 2001, the Standards Committee shall consist of not less than five, nor more than nine, members at least two of which shall be County Borough Councillors.  The Committee currently comprises seven members, as was detailed in paragraph 3.1 of the report.

The Monitoring Officer explained, that the term of office for two of the Independent Members expires in October 2021.  The Members were eligible to be reappointed for a further term.  Thereafter they must stand down as they cannot serve more than two terms of office under the Regulations.  In addition, the Regulations specify that the second term of office can be a maximum of four years. The Members have made a beneficial contribution to the governance of the Council and were in agreement to standing for a further term. 

Therefore, on 15 September 2021 Council approved the reappointment of Mrs Judith Kiely and Mr Clifford Jones OBE for a further term of four years on the Committee, the Monitoring Officer confirmed.  

RESOLVED:                        That the Committee noted the reappointment of Mrs Judith Kiely and Mr Clifford Jones OBE to the Committee for a further term.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report, so as to enable the Standards Committee to review the operation of the Council’s Whistleblowing Policy. 

She stated that as Members were aware, the Council has a Whistleblowing Policy (attached as Appendix 1 to the report), which is designed to encourage and reassure employees who genuinely and reasonably believe that there are concerns, which they should disclose by enabling them to do so within a framework, which ensures they are protected from reprisals or victimisation. 

The monitoring and operation of the policy is one of the functions delegated to the Standards Committee.  The policy has been reviewed to ensure that it remains fit for purpose and it is concluded that the existing version is satisfactory and up to date with current legislation and best practice.  No amendment is therefore proposed to the Policy, at this stage.

The Committee was therefore asked to note that the policy is published on the Council’s website and all new employees are informed about it as part of their induction process. 

RESOLVED:                           That Committee noted the report.

To consider any item(s) of business in respect of which notice has been given in

accordance with Rule 4 of the Council’s Procedure Rules, and which the person presiding at the meeting is of the opinion should by reason of special circumstances be transacted at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

None.