The Standards and Ethics Committee of Worcestershire Council was scheduled to discuss guidance for councillors on social media use and the recruitment of independent members to the committee. The committee was also set to review its future work programme.

Social Media Guidance for Councillors

The committee was scheduled to consider draft guidance for elected members on the appropriate use of social media. The report highlighted that unwise comments on social media can negatively impact the reputation of both individual councillors and the council, and could potentially lead to legal action. It was noted that the Members' Code of Conduct applies to all forms of communication, including social media. The draft guidance includes a list of dos and don'ts for councillors, emphasizing the importance of being responsible, respectful, and clear about whether they are acting in an official capacity or a private one. The guidance also touches upon legal implications such as libel, copyright, data protection, and bias, particularly in relation to planning and licensing matters. The Assistant Director for Legal and Governance, Hazel Best, recommended that the committee comment on the draft guidance and grant her delegated authority to finalise it in consultation with the Chair. The report also referenced guidance from the Local Government Association on social media use for councillors.

Independent Members

The committee was scheduled to consider the approach to appointing two further non-voting independent co-opted members. The council's constitution requires three independent members to serve on the committee, in addition to elected members. Currently, only one independent member, Dr. Philip Whiteman, is serving. The report outlined that there are no specific legal processes for appointing independent members, who are co-opted onto the committee. A proposed job description for an Independent Member of the Standards and Ethics Committee was attached, detailing the role's purpose, requirements, and activities. Independent members are expected to reside or work in Worcestershire, be fair, objective, and able to exercise sound judgement. They must not be employees or councillors of any council, nor paid-up members of any political party. The role is unpaid, but travel expenses are claimable. The Assistant Director for Legal and Governance recommended that the committee consider how the recruitment and appointment process for these new independent members should be pursued.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review its future work programme. The programme included a complaints update and recommendations on training for councillors linked to standards and ethics for the meeting on 3 July 2026. Dates for future meetings on 14 October 2026 and 21 January 2027 were noted as To be decided. The committee was asked to note the programme and consider if any other matters should be incorporated.