The Audit & Transparency Committee of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council was scheduled to convene on Monday, 23 March 2026. The meeting's agenda focused primarily on matters relating to the Councillor Code of Conduct, including the consideration of specific complaints and the review of relevant council procedures and policies.

Report of the Monitoring Officer on Code of Conduct Complaints

The committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Monitoring Officer concerning complaints made against Councillor Jedut. The report detailed two separate complaints, one from a resident named Ms X and another from Ms Y. Both complaints, according to the investigation reports, concluded that there was evidence of breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct. The report outlined the process for the committee to determine whether a breach had occurred and, if so, to decide on appropriate sanctions. The possible sanctions included censuring the councillor, reporting findings to the full Council, or recommending formal censure. The Ethics Panel had also provided its comments and recommendations regarding potential sanctions.

Council Arrangements for Dealing with a Councillor Complaint

A review of the council's established procedures for handling complaints against councillors was scheduled. This document, last updated in August 2023, outlines the context, process for making a complaint, and the criteria for determining whether a complaint merits formal investigation. It details how investigations are conducted and the subsequent steps, including the role of the Audit and Transparency Committee in considering evidence and making decisions.

The Councillor Code of Conduct

The committee was set to review the council's own Councillor Code of Conduct. This code, adopted under the Localism Act 2011, outlines the expected standards of behaviour for councillors, including principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. It details requirements for registering and disclosing interests, and the procedures for handling allegations of breaches.

Local Government Association Model Councillor Code of Conduct (2020)

In addition to the council's own code, the committee was scheduled to consider the Local Government Association's (LGA) Model Councillor Code of Conduct. This model code, developed in consultation with the sector, serves as a template for local authorities. It elaborates on general principles of councillor conduct, including respect, avoiding bullying, harassment, and discrimination, maintaining officer impartiality, and upholding confidentiality. The guidance accompanying this model code was also to be reviewed, providing further explanation and examples of expected behaviour.

Proposed Procedure for the Hearing

A procedural note outlining the steps for conducting hearings related to Code of Conduct complaints was also on the agenda. This document details the presentation of investigation reports, representations from the councillor concerned, committee deliberations, and the announcement of decisions and sanctions. It also outlines the process for appeals.

Report of the Ethics Panel

The committee was to receive a report from the Ethics Panel. This panel comprises independent persons appointed to advise the council on matters of ethics and ethical conduct, including complaints against councillors. Their report would likely provide their views on the specific complaints against Councillor Jedut and any recommendations for sanctions.

The meeting was also scheduled to discuss two complaints in private session: Complaint from Ms X and Complaint from Ms Y, which included investigation reports and supporting documentation. These were to be discussed in private due to containing information relating to individuals.