The Code of Conduct and Role of the Monitoring Officer
Code of Conduct
The Council has adopted a Code of Conduct which applies to all elected and co-opted members of the Council. The Code sets out rules which must be complied with by all members. The rules are there to ensure Councillors act properly and in the public interest at all times.
Anyone who believes a Councillor has breached the Code of Conduct can complain to the Standards Board for England. The Standards Board will make a decision as to whether there is sufficient evidence to refer the complaint to the Council’s Monitoring Officer for investigation. The Council’s Standards Committee has a role in considering the Monitoring Officer’s investigation reports and deciding on sanctions in appropriate cases.
Click here to view the Code of Conduct in full (28KB - PDF Help). The Code is also set out within the Council’s Constitution.
Monitoring Officer
Under the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, Councils have a duty to appoint a Monitoring Officer to ensure the lawfulness and fairness of Council decision making.
The Monitoring Officer effectively serves as the guardian of the Council's Constitution and the decision-making process. She is responsible for advising the Council on the legality of its decisions and providing guidance to councillors and officers on the Council's Constitution and its powers. She hasresponsibility to report breaches and possible breaches of the law or maladministration to the Council.
The Monitoring Officer also works closely with the Council's Standards Committee to assist it in its role of promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct and probity within the Council.
The Council's Monitoring Officer is:
Denise Lyon
East Devon District Council
Council Offices
Knowle
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 8HL
Tel: 01395 517480
email: dlyon@eastdevon.gov.uk
