The local standards framework
The local standards framework gives local authorities the responsibility for upholding the ethical behaviour of their members. Introduced by government legislation on 8 May 2008, the framework gives authorities the powers to investigate those members whose behavior falls short of the standards expected of them. This meant that our role changed too. We are now a strategic regulator. This means that we use our experience of working in standards to formally evaluate the framework, provide independent oversight and decide how it should work in practice.
This section features guidance to support local authorities in the implementation and function of the locally managed framework. This guidance has been split into seven different parts that each address key issues.
Most of these are made up of two sections. The first section is the actual guidance, setting out the responsibilities of relevant authorities and what they need to do to meet them. The second section consists of the tools that will allow them to meet their responsibilities. These include templates for decision notices, letters and forms.
If you are searching for a particular publication, you may like to use our A-Z list of publications.
On 18 January the functions of the Adjudication Panel for England were transferred to the First-Tier Tribunal (Local Government Standards in England) and the Adjudication Panel for England was abolished. The First-Tier Tribunal sits in the General Regulatory Chamber with Charity, Gambling, Information, Estate Agents, Claims Management, Consumer Credit and Transport Tribunals.
Our guidance has been updated to reflect the changes to the power and procedures of the tribunal. To find out more about the First-tier Tribunal, please visit their website.
Standards for England guidance downloads
Local assessment of complaints
Local assessment of complaints guidance (PDF File) updated June 2008
Local assessment of complaints toolkit (Online Guide)
The role and make-up of standards committees
The role and make-up of standards committees (PDF File) updated July 2008
Joint standards committees
Joint standards committees guidance (PDF File) updated July 2009
Model terms of reference for Joint Standards Committees in England (Word File)
Checklist (Word File)
Other action guidance
Other action guidance (PDF) published May 2009
Local investigations
Local investigations and other action (PDF File) updated March 2010
Local investigations and other action - toolkit (Online Guide) published June 2008
How to conduct an investigation (PDF File) updated March 2010
Standards committee determinations
Standards committee determinations guidance (Online Guide) updated March 2010
Standards committee determinations toolkit (Online Guide)
Dispensations guidance
Dispensations guidance (PDF File) Updated July 2009
Guidance dealing with the specific requirements of Welsh police authorities.
The role and makeup of standards committees for members of Welsh police authorities (PDF File)
Rôl ac aelodaeth pwyllgorau safonau ar gyfer aelodau o awdurdodau heddlu Cymru (PDF File)
Printed copies
A folder containing initial guidance on the local standards framework was distributed to those local authorities with standards committees in September 2008. Authorities were sent a folder for their monitoring officer, deputy monitoring officer, standards committee chair and standards committee vice chair. A folder was also sent to county secretaries.
In June 2009, we published three new pieces of guidance for inclusion in the folder - on joint standards committees, dispensations and other action. The pdf versions are available above and final, printed copies have also been sent to those who previously received the folder.
Further folders requested by authorities will be charged at £30.00 each to cover costs - if you require extra folders, please contact publications@standardsforengland.gov.uk.
