28 May 2025On 14 May, SLCC partnered with One Voice Wales (OVW) to host a thought-provoking joint virtual conference exploring ethical frameworks in local government across England and Wales. The event brought together expert speakers and engaged delegates in interactive Q&A sessions, looking at key developments, challenges, and best practices in maintaining high standards in local governance.
Speakers included Linda Ranger FSLCC, Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer at St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council, who explored civility and respect – sharing research findings, highlighting the impact on councils and staff, and looking at future priorities for action; Annie Ginwalla, Code Team Manager and Deputy Legal Adviser at the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, who addressed improvement of public services and standards of conduct; Deborah Evans, Chief Executive of Lawyers in Local Government (LLG), who provided insight into the role of monitoring officers and standards committees in England; and many more.
Delegates praised the event, saying:
- ‘For me the strategic importance was the way professional officers, through SLCC, and councils/councillors, through OVW, were able to come together with a common objective perhaps with different perspectives, and to design and deliver the day successfully. The agenda demonstrated the multi-faceted aspect of the subject of an ethical framework and the effects it has from/on staff, councillors, councils, and the public. If there were two key take-aways for me, it was that failure to have and follow an ethical framework undermines democracy itself and that the ethical framework itself needs constant support and resources. Well done SLCC and OVW together. As we say in Wales “Together Stronger – Gorau Chwarae Cyd Chwarae”.’ Edward Humphreys FSLCC, Clerk to Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and Churchstoke Community Council
- ‘It was an excellent event, with presentations from individuals who had significant knowledge and experience of their respective subjects. I was certainly not disappointed with any aspects of the event. It was delivered very proficiently and “hung together” well. The event provided not only new learning but also reinforcement of my understandings.’ Terry Jordan PSLCC, Clerk to Wisbech Town Council
- ‘I was very pleased to attend the Ethical Frameworks in England and Wales conference and found the day both informative and helpful. The event struck just the right note – professional and thought-provoking, while also grounded in the practical realities faced by local clerks and councils. The sessions throughout the day were well-paced and insightful. Linda Ranger’s presentation on civility and respect set the tone for a series of engaging contributions, including those from Councillor Ruth Dombey and Annie Ginwalla, who offered clear-eyed reflections on public standards and the work of the Ombudsman’s office. The perspectives shared on the role of monitoring officers in both England and Wales were particularly helpful, offering clarity on evolving responsibilities and highlighting good practice. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the final session but before I left Kevin Griffiths’ session on the wider implications of ethical standards on democratic health was a timely reminder of why these issues matter beyond our individual councils. Thank you to One Voice Wales, the SLCC, and all the speakers and organisers for such a well-structured and valuable day.’ Tony Graham FSLCC, Chief Executive to Pontypridd Town Council
