Joint Standards Committee	21 November 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.

· Assessing the efficacy of the complaints procedure and identifying possible improvements.

Commentary on Case Logs

Open cases

3. Case reference 2023/07 has been investigated by a CYC lawyer and a report has been prepared. A hearing will be convened under the Case Handling Procedure to determine the matter.

4. Case reference 2023/13 has been assessed by the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Independent Person and it has progressed to investigation. An investigating officer has been appointed and they have made completed initial interviews. A draft report is expected to be completed by the end of November 2023.

5. Case reference 2023/14 has been assessed by the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Independent Person and it has progressed to investigation. An investigating officer has been appointed. Taking into account the scope of the investigation a draft report is likely to be completed by mid December 2023.

6. Case reference 2023/15 falls under paragraph 5 of the complaints handling process and will therefore be referred to a JSC Sub Committee for assessment.

7. Case reference 2023/16 falls under paragraph 5 of the complaints handling process and will therefore be referred to a JSC Sub Committee for assessment.

Cases closed since last JSC

8. No cases have been closed since the last meeting of Joint Standards Committee.

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

9. 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 f.harrison@york.gov.uk
	Report Approved	ü	Date	9 November  2023
Wards Affected:					All	ü
For further information please contact the author of the report

Background Papers:

· Annex A – Table showing open complaints received.