This half day course will look in detail at the current position relating to the standards regime relating to the conduct of elected members in England. Delivered by highly experienced lawyer, consultant and trainer Bethan Evans, the course will cover the full range of issues which colleagues dealing with this topic need to be confident about. It is a live event (held virtually) which means that we can keep completely up-to-date with this topic and can generate discussion and interaction.

There have been a number of significant recent developments relating to the standards regime in English local government including:

• The government announcement that significant sanctions will not be reintroduced;
• The publication of the LGA Model Code of Conduct and supporting guidance on the Code; and
• The publication of LGA guidance on the handling of standards complaints.

This course will bring delegates completely up to date and will cover:

• The context for a consideration of high standards in public life – a topical issue!
• A refresher on the current standards regime in English local government
• An analysis of different Codes of Conduct including the LGA Model Code

Tricky issues including:

• When does the code apply – public/private lives
• Social Media
• What is disrespect?
• Member/officer relations
• Registration and disclosure of interests
• Handling Code of Conduct complaints
• Parish and Town Councils – what is your role?
• How to ensure high ethical standards in the absence of sanctions

Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss mini scenarios which will examine issues in relation to the code and handling complaints. The course is aimed at Monitoring Officers, DMOs and all officers with a role in dealing with complaints and/or upholding member standards.