CHILTERN DISTRICT COUNCIL
 

 
 

REPORT FOR STANDARDS COMMITTEE - SEPTEMBER 2002
 

 
 

 
 

Background Papers, if any, are specified at the end of the Report
 

 
 

AGENDA ITEM NO.1
 

1.     TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY: ELECTED MEMBERS
 

     Contact Officer: Moraigh Butler (01494 732015)
 

 
 

     Matter for Consideration
 

 
 

1

To consider the introduction of a formal Training and Development Policy for Elected Members of Chiltern District Council.  (NB This could also apply to Independent members of the Standards Committee itself).
 

 
 

      
 

     Implications

 

     (i) This is not a key decision

     (ii) The proposal is to formalise and improve on existing good practice.

 

     Financial Implications

 

     None.

 

     Legal Implications

 

     None.

 
 

 
 

     Report
 

 
 

2

The draft policy document is attached (Appendix A ), together with supporting appendices.  The policy would apply to all members.  If agreed in principle by the Committee, it should be the subject of consultation amongst all members.  It may be that the Committee would wish to receive comments arising from that consultation, before recommending a final document to full Council.
 

 
 

3

As a result of preparing these documents, consideration was given to the role of Group Leader, as currently defined in the Constitution.  It is suggested that consideration be given to specifically including responsibility for ensuring effective Training and Development of their respective group members, and for succession planning.
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

     RECOMMENDATIONS
 

 
 

a)

That the Committee consider and approve the proposed policy in principle.
 

b)     the draft policy, be circulated to all members for comment.
 

 
 

c)

the document, as amended in the light of consultation, be submitted to Council for approval.
 

      
 

      
 

Background Papers: None
 

 
 

 
 

AGENDA ITEM No 2 
 

 
 

2.     REVISED OFFICERS WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY
 

     Contact Officer: Geoff Osgathorp (Audit Manager) 01494 732085
 

 
 

     Matter for Consideration
 

 
 

To consider and agree the revised Officers Whistleblowing Policy. The Whistleblowing Policy falls within the terms of reference of the Standards Committee for recommendation to Council.
 

 
 

     Implications
 

 
 

     (i) This is not a key decision
 

     (ii) This is within the Policy and Budgetary Framework
 

 
 

     Financial Implications
 

 
 

     None
 

 
 

     Legal Implications
 

 
 

     None
 

 
 

     Report
 

 
 

The Internal Audit Section annually reviews the Council’s arrangements for the prevention and detection of Fraud and Corruption.  The audit included a review of the Whistleblowing Policy for Officers.  A complete revision of the Whistleblowing Policy (Appendix B ) was carried out based upon Good Practice issued from the independent body ‘Public Concern at Work’.  This revised policy details the Council’s assurance to all staff if they wish to raise a concern, how the Council will deal with the matter, how staff can raise a concern, independent advice that is available and the procedure if staff still feel dissatisfied with the outcome.
 

 
 

Management Team and staff side have agreed the revised policy.
 

 
 

RECOMMENDATION
 

 
 

The Standards Committee to agree the revised Whistleblowing Policy for Officers.
 

 
 

Background papers: None