The Standards Advisory Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 20 October 2026 to review updates on the register of interests, code of conduct matters, and member induction and development programmes. Key outcomes included noting the register of interests and gifts and hospitality update, and agreeing that further details on a specific code of conduct complaint would be forwarded outside of the meeting.

Register of Interests and Gifts and Hospitality Update

Patricia Attawia, Democratic Services Team Leader, presented the quarterly update on Members' Declarations of Interest. She confirmed that all elected and co-opted Members had submitted their declarations following the May 2026 elections. No new declarations of interest or gifts and hospitality were received between 26 June and 8 October 2026. The Committee noted the report.

Members' Code of Conduct Matters

Shupriya Iqbal, Director of Governance and Legal Services, provided an update on complaints and investigations related to alleged breaches of the Council's Members Code of Conduct between May 2025 and April 2026. Four new complaints were received since the previous meeting, with two concerning a lack of responsiveness to constituents, one alleging a breach of confidentiality, and one outstanding complaint related to an elected Member's involvement in a housing and tenancy matter. All three resolved complaints were dealt with informally with the assistance of an Independent Person. The Committee agreed that further details on complaint number 003 would be forwarded outside of the meeting and noted the report.

Member Induction 2026 and the Member Learning and Development Programme

Matthew Mannion, Corporate Head of Democratic and Governance Services, presented an update on the annual report for the Member Learning and Development Programme and the recent Member Induction Programme. He highlighted the positive feedback and high engagement levels from new councillors who attended an average of 15 sessions each. Mannion also noted that 38 out of 45 Members would have a Personal Development Plan (PDP) in place, exceeding recommended levels. The Council is working towards achieving Charter Mark Plus accreditation, which requires demonstrating the impact of member development on partnership working. The Committee noted the report.

Work Plan

Matthew Mannion reminded the Committee that updates on the Continuous Improvement Plan would be presented at the next meeting, scheduled for 12 January 2027. The Committee noted the report.

Any Other Business

Matthew Mannion provided an update on the recruitment process for Co-opted Members for the Standards Advisory Committee, noting that the process was ongoing.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all attendees.