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Cessation of Standards for England’s regulatory role and the provision of guidance

From 31 January 2012, the regulatory role of Standards for England will no longer exist as outlined in the standards provisions of the Localism Act 2011. As a result, we will no longer have powers to accept new referrals or conduct investigations into complaints against members. It also means that our role in providing guidance on the existing standards framework will cease from this date, including the provision of the Standards for England ‘Enquiries’ telephone, email and postal services, and the online Standards Forum.

Arrangements relating to the abolition of Standards for England

Under the standards provisions of the Localism Act 2011, Standards for England is to be abolished.

Subject to formal confirmation through regulations, it is the government’s intention this will take effect on 31 March 2012.

Prior to this, our regulatory role will stop from a date to be set out in regulations, but is anticipated to be 31 January 2012.

Royal Assent Update

The government’s Localism Bill received Royal Assent on 15 November, meaning the Localism Act has now become law.

Reappointment of Board members

We are pleased to announce the reappointment of two senior Standards for England Board members –our Chair, Dr Robert Chilton, and Deputy Chair, Judy Simons.

Statement by our Chairman Dr. Robert Chilton

Following the departure of our Chief Executive, Glenys Stacey, in February, I am pleased to welcome Standards for England’s current Director of Regulation - Tim Leslie - into the role of Interim Chief Executive.

Statement by our Chairman Dr Robert Chilton

Our Chief Executive Glenys Stacey is leaving the organisation at the end of February 2011 to take up a new position as Chief Executive of Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.

Statement by our Chairman Dr. Robert Chilton

Standards for England joins the Department for Communities and Local Government in publishing spending over £500 online

Standards for England has today joined the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) in making details of expenditure on goods and services over £500 available online.

New ‘Compact Toolkit’ supports work with parish and town councils

A new ‘Compact Toolkit’ offering help and guidance to those keen to build greater working relationships with parish and town councils has now been launched.

West Sussex is a gold class ‘Local Democracy’ achiever

West Sussex County Council was named the ‘Local Democracy Award’ gold winner at last week’s 2010 LGcommunications Reputation Awards. Sponsored by Standards for England for the second year running, the award aims to recognise those local authorities demonstrating good government, widened involvement and effective feedback to citizens on its performance.

The Government’s planned Decentralisation and Localism Bill includes a proposal to ‘abolish the Standards Board regime’.

Standards for England ‘Much Improved’ councils… heads above the rest!

Wendover Parish Council has been named ‘Much Improved Council of the Year’ at the National Association of Local Council’s (NALC) ‘Local Council Awards 2010’ in London on Thursday 13th May.

Campbell Park Parish Councillor Suspended for Three Months

Following a Standards for England (SfE) investigation, Councillor Isabella Forsyth-Fraser has been found to have breached two parts of the members’ Code of Conduct (the Code) by the First-tier Tribunal (Local Government Standards in England).

Standards are a winner for Leeds

Leeds City Council has been named as one of the most ethical authorities in the country, winning in the Standards and Ethics category at the LGC Awards 2010.

Parish Councillor Suspended for Four Months

Astley Village Parish Councillor Rod Fraser was suspended from office for four months on Wednesday (24 March) after he was found to have breached several parts of the members’ Code of Conduct (the Code).

2010 Annual Assembly of Standards Committees Booking Up Fast

Authorities looking to secure places at the 2010 Annual Assembly of Standards Committees, ‘A place for standards’, are being urged to book sooner rather than later, as demand for places is already very high.

Strong local government support for the local standards framework

The local government standards framework is working and is having a positive influence on member behaviour, according to a review published today by Standards for England (SfE).

Booking opens for 2010 Annual Assembly of Standards Committees

Booking has opened for ‘A place for standards’, the 2010 Annual Assembly of Standards Committees. The event takes place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on 18 and 19 October.

Eden District Councillor Suspended for Six Months

Eden District Councillor John Lynch was suspended from office for six months on Wednesday (20th January), after he was found to have disclosed confidential information and brought his office and authority into disrepute.

The First-tier Tribunal's Decision on the Conduct of Councillor Andy Sutton

Following a Standards for England (SfE) investigation, Councillor Andy Sutton has been found to have breached several parts of the members’ Code of Conduct by the Adjudication Panel for England (APE), now known as the First-tier Tribunal (Local Government Standards in England).