Standards Committee

The Standards Committee of East Dorset District Council is responsible for the promotion and maintenance of high ethical standards of conduct for the district council and parish and town councils in its area. It also assists elected Members to observe the code of conduct. It may also investigate allegations that Members' behaviour may have fallen short of the required standards.

Every authority is required to adopt a code of conduct that sets out rules governing the behaviour of all its Members. The code covers areas of individual behaviour such as Members not abusing their position or not misusing their authority's resources. In addition, there are rules governing disclosure of interest and withdrawal from meetings where Members have relevant interests. Members are also required to record their financial and other interests, including gifts and hospitality received. The complete code of conduct can be accessed using the link on the right of this page.

The full function of the Standards Committee can be found in the Committee's terms of reference which are also attached as a link on the right of this page.

Membership is made up of three district councillors, three parish/town councillors who are not district councillors, and three independents who are not Members or employees of East Dorset District Council or any other body having a Standards Committee. The Chair of the Standards Committee must be an independent member.

Standards Committees are not to be confused with the Local Government Ombudsman that deals with issues of corporate maladministration or financial recompense for complainants.

There are also three Standards Sub-Committees that will consider the local assessment of complaints and hearings into reports that members have breached the code of conduct or an adopted protocol.

An agenda with supporting reports and minutes is produced for each meeting of the Standards Committee. A calendar of meeting dates is also available.