Matthew Mannion, Head of Democratic Services, introduced the report looking at the review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference. The previous meeting of the Committee had proposed the review and it was suggested that the first stage of this would be to send a quiz to Members of the Committee to see what they thought of the Terms of Reference as they were.

He presented the results to date:

·       5 responses had been submitted.

·       In general, responders felt that each function in the terms of reference was set out clearly. However, the final two functions dealing with more general standards issues did receive slightly lower marks, possibly because their general nature made them less easy to consider.

·       When looking at whether the Committee were effectively dealing with each function, the first function on promoting and maintaining high standards received a four out of five mark which was the lowest of all the functions, but still a good mark.

·       A number of specific comments had been submitted including:

o   The need to be more proactive rather than reactive.

o   How to find new ways of conducting training on the Code of Conduct.

o   Whether the function on setting up dispensation sub-committees should be removed as they were no longer used.

o   Whether the Committee should link up better with the Audit and Scrutiny functions.

o   A suggestion that the Committee be updated about national or regional stories relating to Member Conduct.

The Committee also noted the appendix which set out terms of reference from a number of other Councils. It was noted that some mentioned their Committees were there to ‘support’ Members in respect to the Code of Conduct and that idea should be included. It was agreed that final results of the survey would be circulated to Members on 15 February to allow time for final submissions.

No large-scale changes to the Terms of Reference were identified but it was agreed as yet but the final results of the review would be considered and some changes could then be proposed.

RESOLVED

1.    That the report be noted and that the final results of the survey be considered in relation to any potential reviews of the Terms of Reference.