Standards Hearing Committee

What is the role of the Hearing Committee?

A Hearing Committee will be arranged to determine complaints that have been referred for investigation where it is considered that a breach of the code of conduct has been established.

The committee's full terms of reference and delegated functions can be viewed in the council's constitution.

What is the role of the independent person?

In accordance with the Localism Act 2011, the Council has appointed one independent person (Ms Amanda Thomlinson).

The independent person must be consulted before the Standards Committee or Hearing Committee makes a decision on a complaint that has been investigated.

The independent person will be in attendance at meetings of the Standards Committee or Hearing Committee when a decision is to be made on a complaint that has been investigated.

The independent person is not a member of the Standards Committee and does not have voting rights. 

The council has also chosen to appoint one reserve independent person (Ms Christine Bainton) in the event that the independent person is unable to participate in the process.

Who sits on the committee?

Hearing Committee

Membership of the Hearing Committee is selected on a meeting by meeting basis as follows:

• Three East Riding of Yorkshire Council members of the Standards Committee (voting)
• One of the independent members of the Standards Committee (non-voting)
• One of the parish council representatives on the Standards Committee (non-voting).

Who chairs meetings?

The chairmanship is rotated around the East Riding of Yorkshire Council members.

When are meetings?

Meetings take place on an ad-hoc basis as and when required. 

Are meetings open to the public?

Yes. Meetings are open to the public but there may be some matters which will be considered in private. During such situations, members of the public will be asked to leave the meeting at this point. The circumstances under which we can consider matters in private are tightly controlled by law.

Seating in the public gallery at meetings is limited, therefore places must be booked in advance by contacting the Committee Manager on the contact details below. 

Meetings can also be accessed via the council's committee YouTube channel where meetings can be viewed live, or at a later date. 

Can I record, film, take photographs or use social media during meetings?

Yes, new legislation means that you can film, record, take photos and use social media during open parts of meetings. For more information please visit the photography, filming and social media use page.

Can members of the public speak at meetings?

No. Members of the public are not permitted to ask questions at Standards Hearing Committee meetings.

How and when can I view agendas and minutes?

Agendas

Agendas and reports for the Hearing Committee are placed on public deposit five clear working days before each meeting and can be viewed by selecting the relevant agenda below.

Reports containing exempt or confidential matters will not, however, be available.

Minutes

Minutes of Hearing Committee meetings are placed on public deposit no later than five clear working days after each meeting and can be viewed by selecting the relevant minute below.

Please note: agendas and minutes of meetings prior to those available online may be obtained by contacting the committee manager, Julie Lidster:

Email:  julie.lidster@eastriding.gov.uk
Tel: (01482) 393211

East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Democratic Services
County Hall
Cross Street
Beverley
HU17 9BA.

How and when can I view decision notices?

Decision notices are placed on public deposit no later than 14 days after each meeting and can be viewed below (when available).

The most recent decision notice are below:

Where can I view a summary of investigations determined at a Standards Hearing Committee?

To view a summary of investigations determined at a Standards Hearing Committee please visit the Standards Committee page.

What happens at a Standards Committee Hearing?

The process and procedure to be followed in advance of, and at, a Standards Committee Hearing can be viewed below:

Standards Committee Hearing Procedure (pdf 127kb)