Standards Committee

The Standards Committee was established under the Local Government Act 2000 as part of the Government's Democratic Renewal Programme and the introduction of a new ethical framework.

Who Are We?

The Committee was re-appointed by the Council in May 2009 and currently comprises:
• Three Independent Members:
  Mr Murray Wright, Mr Jason Guth and Mr Richard Crone
• Three Parish Representative:
  Mrs D Borton, Mr B Surtees and Mr J Salter- nominated by the Epping Forest Association of Local Councils
• Three District Councillors:
  For 2009 to 2010 Councillors Mrs J Whitehouse, Mrs P Smith and Mr B Rolfe

Our Meetings

All of our meeting agenda and minutes are freely available on our website. The following links will take you to the papers for our Committee and each of our subcommittees:

• Standards Committee
• Assessment Subcommittee
• Review Subcommittee
• Hearing Subcommittee

Conduct of Councillors

The Committee has also taken over responsibility (from 8 May 2008) for the initial assessment of complaints against Councillors. For further information on our role click on the link below.

Conduct of Councillors

 The Committee's Responsibilities

The Committee's responsibilities cover the following statutory roles which relate to Epping Forest District Council and the 24 Parish and Town Councils in the District:
1. Proposing a Code of Conduct
2. Monitoring or revising the Code in the light of experience
3. Promoting the Code and its values
4. Providing training
5. Investigating complaints against elected members
6. Adjudicating on complaints against elected members
7. Giving advice on ethical issues
8. Granting dispensations from the effect of prejudicial interests

Annual Standards Board Return

As Part of the Standards Board's new monitoring system the Standards Committee have been required to submit an annual return on activities

The Annual Return for April 2008 to March 2009 can be accessed by clicking on this link.

The Annual Return for April 2009 to March 2010 can be accessed by clicking on this link..

Annual Report

The Standards Committee publish an annual report each year. The links below will take you to the three most recent reports.

Annual Report for 2007 to 2008 pdf 

Annual Report for 2008 to 2009 pdf 

Annual Report for 2009 to 2010 (This document will be published in May 2010)