An independent standards investigation conducted by MIAA investigator Sue Ward played a crucial role in helping Hyndburn Borough Council address allegations of misconduct by an elected member, ensuring a fair, transparent and evidence-based process that strengthened accountability and public confidence in local governance.

The issue

The council received a series of complaints concerning social media posts and public statements made by a councillor. The complaints alleged that false and misleading information had been published about fellow councillors and council processes, leading to concerns about reputational damage, public misinformation and the wellbeing of those involved. The allegations were serious enough to warrant a formal, independent investigation.

The case involved multiple complaints, extensive social media activity and complex questions around the Councillor Code of Conduct, creating a need for an experienced and impartial investigator who could establish the facts and provide clear findings for the council's Standards Committee.

MIAA's role

Sue Ward, MIAA’s Anti-Fraud Specialist, acting as the council's external investigator, carried out a comprehensive and independent review of the complaints. Her role included:

• Reviewing allegations relating to social media posts and public statements.
• Gathering and analysing evidence.
• Assessing the facts against the requirements of the Council's Code of Conduct.
• Identifying potential breaches and presenting findings to support the Standards Committee's deliberations.
• Providing an impartial and professionally documented report to inform decision-making.

Through her investigation, Sue identified seven potential breaches of the council's Code of Conduct that were summarised into four main points, for consideration by the committee, providing a robust evidential basis for the hearing.

The Outcome

The Standards Committee relied on the findings of the independent investigation when considering the evidence presented during the hearing. Following its deliberations, the committee concluded that the councillor had breached the Code of Conduct in relation to three complaints concerning misleading public statements and comments made during the investigation process.

The committee subsequently imposed a number of sanctions, including:

• Requesting a public apology.
• Referring concerns to the councillor's group leader.
• Recommending further training on the Code of Conduct and the use of social media.

Importantly, the investigation enabled the committee to separate fact from opinion, assess complex and contested claims objectively, and reach conclusions that were evidence-led and transparent.

Client Impact

The value of the investigation was recognised during and after the hearing. Following the outcome, one of the councillors involved publicly thanked Sue Ward for delivering a "professional and detailed report", acknowledging the important role the investigation had played in bringing the matter to a conclusion.

Further outcomes

Building Public Trust - Independent investigations are a vital component of effective governance, particularly where public confidence may be at stake. In this case, the investigation helped to:

• Demonstrate accountability - The council showed that concerns regarding elected members would be taken seriously and considered through a formal process. The resulting findings and sanctions reinforced expectations around conduct in public office.
• Ensure transparency and fairness - The appointment of an external investigator provided assurance that complaints would be examined impartially and independently of political interests, helping to increase confidence in the process.
• Establish the facts - By carefully examining evidence and testing claims against documented records, the investigation helped address misinformation and provided the Standards Committee with a clear basis for decision-making.
• Support those affected - The hearing heard evidence regarding the personal impact of the allegations on elected members and their families. The investigation ensured those concerns were properly examined and considered through a recognised governance process.

Claire Smallman, MIAA’s Head of Investigations commented: “This case demonstrates how MIAA's independent investigation services can help local authorities navigate sensitive governance matters with professionalism, integrity and impartiality. By establishing the facts, supporting informed decision-making and promoting accountability, independent investigators play a critical role in helping organisations maintain public trust and uphold the highest standards of conduct.”