1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to update Members regarding an ongoing consultation issued by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life (Ethical Standards Commissioner).
2. Members will be aware that the Ethical Standards Commissioner and his office investigates complaints about the conduct of Elected Members. Where there appears to have been a breach of the Councillor’s Code of Conduct, the Ethical Standards Commissioner will refer the breach and outcome of the investigation to the Standards Commission for determination and application of a sanction where appropriate.
3. The Ethical Standards Commissioner is currently consulting on a draft strategic plan on the work of his office for the period from 2024-28. The consultation version of the draft is now available to download from the Ethical Standards Commissioner website [opens in a new window].
4. The Ethical Standards Commissioner is keen to hear from as many stakeholders as possible, including individual elected members and political groups. If any Member wishes to respond, then the details of how to do so are also available via the link above.
5. The deadline for submission of responses is 12th January 2024. If any Member wishes to respond but is unable to meet this deadline, please let me know and I will link in with the Commissioner’s office with a view to extending the response time.
6. The Commissioner has confirmed that any changes to the consultation draft will be the subject of a further consultation and Members will be advised of this at the relevant time.