Standards Committee

Without prejudice to its general functions, the Standards Committee has the following specific functions:

When necessary, to advise the Authority on revising the code of conduct.
To advise the Authority on preparing and revising local protocols and to monitor their operation.
To monitor the operation of the Authority’s code of conduct and any local protocols.
To provide training to members and officers to enable them to comply with the Code and protocols.
To manage and control all public registers of members’ and officers’ interests and arrangements for the operation of any related systems.
To consider any matter referred to it under the Local Authorities (Code of Conduct) (Local Determination) Regulations.
To undertake the selection process for the independent members of the committee, and to make recommendations to the Authority for the appointment of Independent members.
To make recommendations to the Authority on future schemes of members’ allowances.
To make recommendations to the Authority on the budget required to enable the committee to undertake its functions.
To appoint any sub-committees or panels it deems necessary for the proper performance of its duties.

Under the Localism Act 2011, we appointed two independent persons (Peter Power and Vanessa Sharp) who will be called upon to attend a meeting and participate in discussions when a complaint against a member of the New Forest National Park Authority is received.

This is in order to consider whether, and if so what, action should initially be taken, and also to be present and give their views during any formal hearing that takes place if it is decided to investigate a complaint.