Purpose

Part 3, Schedule 3 – Responsibility for
Executive Functions delegated to Officers paragraph 4.3 (1) –
the Corporate Director has delegated authority to discharge
executive functions within their respective service areas (Part
3.38). All delegations are subject to consultation where considered
appropriate in the circumstances (paragraph 4.3 (4(ii) – Part
3.39).
Due to the circumstances and the seriousness of the allegations,
there is a potential breach of the Code of Conduct and therefore,
it is reasonable and appropriate that this matter merits further
investigation. It is also appropriate that the investigation be
conducted by an external investigator due to the number of
witnesses likely to be interviewed and the Council’s internal
resources would be unable to accommodate such a detailed
investigation at this time.
The Council’s Procurement Procedure Rules were complied with
and the service being purchased is within the appropriate budget,
with the appointed company being able to provide the specialist
service with immediate availability.

Content

To appoint Kenyon Brabrook Ltd to conduct an
independent investigation into an alleged breach of Members’
Code of Conduct complaint in line with the Complaints Procedure
under 4.1, 4.2. 4.5 and Annex D and E (Paragraph 1 –
complaint which may be referred for investigation, together with an
assessment of the public interest).