Monitoring Officer contact to appropriate parties.

Question

What protocol would be deemed appropriate when contacting the MO in the case of complaint, would any one else need to be copied in or only courteously in regard.

Answer 1

I’ve been on both sides of MO complaints and  I’m currently a witness for a complaint lodged by a third party so I’ve got some experience !

 Theres no need to inform anyone else but it helps if the complaint is properly drawn up and is tied to the Code of Conduct rather than just a general moan

I think in some cases it help if informal attempts have been made to settle it first
Also any complaint must be about an individual Councillor not against a Clerk or a Council as a body

I’ve only experienced one MO system but from being on this forum a while I think the standard of them is mixed

Answer 2

Any complaint to the MO is treated as personal and confidential between MO, the complainant and the person being complained about. This is the position taken if it is a complaint from one councillor about another's conduct. It is nothing to do with the Parish Council until a decision and any recommendations are made by the MO. The PC cannot discuss or comment on the matter even in confidential session until the MO's decision is in the public domain. Every decision is made public knowledge and the MO decision is given in full.

Answer 3

There's usually a form on the council's website, with instructions about what you need to do.

Comments

Much appreciated. The chain of events has not been initiated yet as much as I know. I take the advice of the forum and can understand the conflict of personalities can clash. The informal approach would be ideal scenario but often is not the easiest of solutions to reach.