Standards Board for England
We are regularly instructed by local authorities to undertake local investigations of alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct. These can range through all tiers of authority from Parish and Town Councils through major principal authorities. The allegations which are the subject of such investigation range from bullying to racism, from conflicts of interest to breach of confidentiality.
In addition to conducting investigations, one of our partners, Peter Keith-Lucas has written the model procedures for local investigations and local hearings which have been endorsed by the Standards Board, and local protocols on member conduct in respect of the use of IT, gifts and hospitality, and planning and lobbying. He has also written the advice note on public access to local hearings.