The Standards Committee of Neath Port Talbot Council met on Monday 17 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the review of the council's Code of Conduct, the handling of recent complaints against councillors, and the implementation of a new training programme for council members. Decisions were made to update the Code of Conduct and to introduce mandatory training sessions for all councillors.

Review of the Code of Conduct

The committee reviewed the current Code of Conduct for councillors. The review aimed to ensure that the code remains relevant and effective in promoting ethical behaviour. Several amendments were proposed, including stricter guidelines on social media use and clearer definitions of conflicts of interest. The committee unanimously agreed to adopt the updated Code of Conduct, which will be implemented immediately.

Councillor Jane Smith highlighted the importance of these updates, stating, The digital age requires us to be more vigilant about our online presence and interactions. These changes will help maintain public trust.

Handling of Complaints Against Councillors

The committee discussed recent complaints lodged against councillors. The complaints ranged from allegations of misconduct to breaches of the Code of Conduct. Each case was reviewed in detail, and appropriate actions were recommended. In some instances, councillors were advised to issue public apologies, while more severe cases were referred to the Ombudsman for further investigation.

Councillor John Davies argued, Transparency in handling these complaints is crucial. The public needs to see that we hold ourselves to the highest standards.

Implementation of a New Training Programme

A new training programme for council members was introduced, focusing on ethical behaviour, conflict resolution, and the updated Code of Conduct. The training will be mandatory for all councillors and will include both online modules and in-person workshops. The committee believes this initiative will foster a more informed and ethical council.

The decision to make the training mandatory was met with some resistance. However, Councillor Sarah Williams supported the move, saying, Continuous education is essential for us to serve our community effectively and ethically.

For more details on the meeting, please refer to the Public reports pack.