This session will explore the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct and examine the requirements of the local Code of Conduct, using real case scenarios for delegates to discuss. Areas which will be explored will include the use of social media, exploring the boundaries between freedom of expression, disrespect and bullying and member-officer relations. We encourage as much discussion as possible around the cases so that delegates can see the issues from different perspectives and understand for themselves how cases have been resolved, whether formally or informally.

The second part of the session will consist of an in-depth discussion on the requirements on members to register and declare interests, again with case scenarios to discuss to help officers who may have to advise members. The third part of the session will look at the process for handling a complaint from receipt through to hearing, looking at some of the danger zones for officers to be aware of.

Audience

This session is aimed at those officers who handle member complaints and/or support standards committees.

Paul Hoey and Natalie Ainscough

Hoey Ainscough Associates Ltd was set up in 2012 to support local authorities in managing their arrangements for handling councillor conduct issues. Paul was director of strategy at Standards for England from 2001 until its closure in 2012, and Natalie Ainscough worked as his deputy.

Paul and Natalie have worked with over 400 authorities in one form or another through provision of training, investigative support and wider governance advice. They are the national experts on standards arrangements and were commissioned by the Local Government Association to draw up the new model Code of Conduct and supporting guidance published in 2021. They also support NALC and SLCC on standards matters and were part of the Civility and Respect Working Group.

Date and time

23rd June 2026, 10.00 – 13.00

Cost

• ADSO Member rate – £100 + VAT per person to attend the course
• Non-ADSO Member rate – £125 + VAT per person to attend the course
• Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.

Booking requirements

• A purchase order number is required for all bookings made out to ADSO (please see note above).  Courses cannot be attended if a purchase order is not received.
• A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
• Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
• A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s).  Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.
• Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.