Joint Standards Committee	7 June 2023
Report of the Deputy Monitoring Officer

Monitoring Report in respect of Complaints Received

Summary

1. This report is to update the Committee on the position regarding ongoing complaints.

Background

2. The Joint Standards Committee is responsible for promoting a culture of openness, accountability, probity, and the maintenance of high standards of conduct by members. In order to do this, it reviews all code of conduct complaints. This enables, amongst other things:

· Monitoring overall numbers of complaints allowing comparison with similar authorities

· Monitoring trends of increasing/decreasing levels of complaints and identifying links to key events or triggers

· Identifying common types of complaints which may illustrate a need for enhanced training and information

· Assessing the efficacy of sanctions imposed by linking an increase/decrease in complaints regarding a particular member or from a particular locus to intervention or sanctions previously imposed.

Commentary on Case Logs

Open cases

3. Case reference 2022/18 is under investigation by a CYC lawyer. Witness Interviews have been completed and the investigator expects to complete a draft report by the end of January 2023.

4. Case references 2023/04, 2023/06 and 2023/08 are currently being assessed by the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Independent Person.

5. Case reference 2023/07 falls under paragraph 5 of Appendix 29 (Joint Standards Committee Procedures) and will therefore be referred to Assessment Sub-Committee to determine whether the complaint should progress to investigation.

Implications

Financial

Not applicable to this report.

Human Resources (HR)

Not applicable to this report.

Equalities

Maintaining standards across the City through the Code of Conduct ensures that an ethical framework can be adhered to, including ensuring that equality issues form an integral part of that framework. 

Legal

As detailed within the report.

Crime and Disorder, Information Technology and Property

Not applicable to this report.

Recommendations

That the Joint Standards Committee notes the report, in order to ensure that the Committee is aware of the current levels of activity and is able to provide oversight of the complaints procedure.

Author & Officer Responsible for the report: Frances Harrison Deputy Monitoring Officer
	Report Approved	ü	Date	30 May 2023
Wards Affected:  List wards or tick box to indicate all					All	ü
For further information please contact the author of the report

Background Papers:

· Annex A – Table showing open complaints received.

· Annex B – Table showing received complaints closed since last JSC.