This course is now fully booked. Alternative course dates might be available on our website - if unsuitable, please email bookings@llg.org.uk to join the waiting list for the event.
PLEASE NOTE: The content of this course does NOT cover relevant Welsh laws.
This half day course will look in detail at the current position relating to the standards regime relating to the conduct of elected members in England. Delivered by highly experienced lawyer, consultant and trainer Bethan Evans, the course will cover the full range of issues which colleagues dealing with this topic need to be confident about. It is a live event (held virtually) which means that we can keep completely up-to-date with this topic and can generate discussion and interaction.
There have been a number of significant recent developments relating to the standards regime in English local government including:
The government announcement that significant sanctions will not be reintroduced;
The publication of the LGA Model Code of Conduct and supporting guidance on the Code; and
The publication of LGA guidance on the handling of standards complaints.
This course will bring delegates completely up to date and will cover:
The context for a consideration of high standards in public life – a topical issue!
A refresher on the current standards regime in English local government
An analysis of different Codes of Conduct including the LGA Model Code
Tricky issues including:
When does the code apply – public/private lives
Social Media
What is disrespect?
Member/officer relations
Registration and disclosure of interests
Handling Code of Conduct complaints
Parish and Town Councils – what is your role?
How to ensure high ethical standards in the absence of sanctions
Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss mini scenarios which will examine issues in relation to the code and handling complaints. The course is aimed at Monitoring Officers, DMOs and all officers with a role in dealing with complaints and/or upholding member standards.
Bethan Evans Governance Training and Consultancy, GOV TC
Beth is a recognised expert in local authority governance and decision-making, having worked in this field for over 40 years. She was an in-house lawyer for nearly 20 years, at four different councils in England (including Bristol City Council, Avon County Council and South Gloucestershire Council). She moved from a practitioner specialising in education, housing, commercial and social care law into management posts, culminating in roles as a County Solicitor and a Director of Corporate Services in a unitary authority.
Beth led the Welsh Local Government Agency responsible for improvement and development in the 22 unitary councils in Wales (and the regional employer) for three years from 1998.
In 2001 Beth moved to a role as a partner with Bevan Brittan LLP, a leading national law firm, where she led the local government team for 17 years, for 4 years of which she was Senior Partner of the firm. The firm has, for many years, been ranked Band One legal advisors for local authorities.
Legal 500 rankings 2017 – UK Local Government Law
Bethan Evans is the “undisputed leader in the field”
In 2016, Beth left her legal role and set up her business as an independent governance trainer and advisor. She is an experienced and highly regarded practitioner in this field. She specialises in member and officer development for local authorities. She has a wealth of practical experience which enables her to bring these insights to her training.
In this capacity, Beth has provided sessions for over 120 councils over the last few years, including county councils, unitaries, London boroughs, combined authorities, districts, and parishes.
Beth works extensively with LLG on their programme of governance related sessions and on training for Monitoring Officers.
Other roles
In addition to her professional business, Beth has held trustee/non-executive roles including:
Chair of the charity Ablaze which seeks to address inequality of opportunity and achievement in young people by bringing businesses and schools together in reading, maths, and mentoring programmes
Non-executive Director of Bristol Energy Limited for 2 years
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09:30 - 12:30
Online
