Part 3, Schedule 3 – Responsibility for Executive Functions delegated to Officers paragraph 4.3 (1) – the Corporate Director has delegated authority to discharge executive functions within their respective service areas (Part 3.38). All delegations are subject to consultation where considered appropriate in the circumstances (paragraph 4.3 (4(ii) – Part 3.39).
Due to the circumstances and the seriousness of the allegations, there is a potential breach of the Code of Conduct and therefore, it is reasonable and appropriate that this matter merits further investigation. It is also appropriate that the investigation be conducted by an external investigator due to the number of witnesses likely to be interviewed and the Council’s internal resources would be unable to accommodate such a detailed investigation at this time.
The Council’s Procurement Procedure Rules were complied with and the service being purchased is within the appropriate budget, with the appointed company being able to provide the specialist service with immediate availability.

To appoint Kenyon Brabrook Ltd to conduct an independent investigation into an alleged breach of Members’ Code of Conduct complaint in line with the Complaints Procedure under 4.1, 4.2. 4.5 and Annex D and E (Paragraph 1 – complaint which may be referred for investigation, together with an assessment of the public interest).

To conduct the investigation internally, which due to the complexity and volume of witnesses, would not be able to be resourced appropriately.