The Standards Committee of Newham Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Member Induction and Development Programme, a discussion on the proposed work programme for the upcoming municipal year, and the presentation of the Annual Report.

Member Induction and Development Programme Update

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the 2026/27 Member Induction and Development Programme. The report details progress against performance indicators, highlighting a strong level of engagement and positive feedback from members. It notes that while attendance at mandatory sessions has improved, it is still below the 90% target set by the LGA Member Development Charter. The committee is expected to consider ways to encourage greater attendance and discuss an approach for members who do not attend or engage with the development sessions, including a policy for non-attendance at statutory training sessions. The report also outlines the success of the induction evening held on 14th May at Old Town Hall, Stratford, which achieved 90% attendance.

Standards Committee Work Programme 2026/27

A proposed work plan for the 2026/27 municipal year is scheduled for discussion. Traditionally, the committee holds four meetings annually, but due to the anticipated workload, five meetings have been scheduled. These are planned for 17th June 2026, 2nd September 2026, 2nd December 2026, 3rd March 2027, and 5th May 2027. The proposed work plan includes standing items such as updates on complaints and reports of dispensations granted by the Monitoring Officer, as well as ongoing items like Member Induction and Development updates. Other topics for consideration include the Code of Conduct, reviews of the Register of Interests and the Gifts and Hospitality Register, the Annual Report to Full Council, and Member Induction and Development quarterly updates.

Annual Report of the Standards Committee

The committee is scheduled to consider and approve its Annual Report for submission to Full Council in July 2026. This report will provide an overview of the work undertaken by the committee in the previous municipal year and outline future priorities. The draft report includes sections on the committee's role, membership, meeting statistics, and the standards framework. It also details the committee's future work programme for the 2026/2027 municipal year. The report highlights the committee's role in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct among members, receiving and considering complaints, and advising on the Council's Code of Conduct. It also mentions the ongoing efforts to achieve LGA Member Development Charter status by Spring 2027.

The meeting is also scheduled to address the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting and note the current action log. In accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, there will be a discussion regarding the potential exclusion of the press and public for specific items of business that may involve the disclosure of exempt information. The date of the subsequent Standards Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for 2 September 2026.