Standards Committee

Constitution: 7 members of the Council.

3 parish councillors are co-opted in a non-voting capacity.

The Independent Person(s) appointed by the Council in accordance with section 28(7) of the Localism Act 2011 are invited to attend meetings of the Committee in an advisory capacity.

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee will be appointed by the Council from the district council members of the Committee.   Quorum: At least 3 voting members.Where parish council matters are being discussed – there must be at least one parish councillor present who is not also a district councillor.

Agendas, reports and minutes of the Standards Committee must be circulated to all members of Chichester District Council, and to all parish councils in the district.

Terms of Reference:  

1.    To advise the Council on the implementation of its duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by members and co-opted members of the authority (section 27 of the Localism Act 2011).

2.    To advise the Council as to the adoption and interpretation of a code dealing with the conduct that is expected of members and co-opted members of the authority when they are acting in that capacity. To review from time to time that code of conduct and make recommendations to the Council as to its revision or replacement where appropriate.

3.    To provide advice to parish councils in the Chichester District as to their obligations in respect of 1 and 2 above.

4.    To advise the Council on the implementation of its duty to have in place arrangements under which allegations that a member or co-opted member of the authority or of a parish council in the District has failed to comply with the relevant authority’s code of conduct can be investigated and decided upon.

5.    To consider and determine, through its Assessment Sub-Committee and Hearing Sub-Committee, allegations that a member or co-opted member of the authority or of a parish council in the District has failed to comply with the relevant authority’s code of conduct. In so doing, to seek and take into account the views of an Independent Person appointed by the Council in accordance with section 28 (7) of the Localism Act 2011.

6.    To advise on the training of members of the Council and of parish councils in the Chichester District in matters of conduct, and the provision of advice to such members on such issues as the registration and disclosure of interests and general conduct issues.