Future Local Lab
Local Government Explained
This discussion will focus on standards frameworks currently operating across the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, including common challenges, best-practice models, and potential lessons that the local government sector in each country could learn regarding the crucial task of maintaining robust and effective standards for elected members.
This event takes place at 07:30 – 09:00 BST / 17:30 – 19:00 AEDT / 20.30 – 22.00 NZDT
Areas for discussion:
- Code of conduct structures: A comparison of how the core codes are legally mandated, structured (e.g., principles-based vs prescriptive rules), and implemented by local authorities across the globe.
- Enforcement and sanctions: An examination of the mechanisms for investigating alleged breaches, the roles of independent standards bodies (where they exist), and the range of sanctions available for proven misconduct – from public censure to disqualification.
- Ethical oversight bodies: A look at the different bodies responsible for overall governance, training, and setting best practices in councillor ethics across the three countries.
- Public and political trust: An evaluation of how effective each framework is perceived to be in maintaining high standards of public life, protecting the integrity of local decision-making, and sustaining public confidence in elected officials.
About our partner
The VLGA is an independent (non-partisan) governance organisation supporting councils and councillors in achieving the highest standards of governance on behalf of their communities. They provide opportunities for councillor networking, professional development and information exchange and actively engage with key policymakers and broader stakeholders to inform, influence and lead the conversations that determine the priorities for the local government sector in Victoria. vlga.org.au | [email protected]
Speakers
Charlotte Eisenhart
Chief Executive, ADSO
Charlotte Eisenhart is Chief Executive at the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO). ADSO is the professional body for people working in democratic and governance roles across local government and related organisations. They have over 1600 members from over 300 local authorities in the UK. ADSO members are at the heart of local democracy – supporting elected councillors, running council meetings, advising on constitutional and governance issues, and ensuring that decision-making is transparent, accountable, and effective. Charlotte is also a trustee at the perinatal mental health charity PANDAS.
Ian McCormack
President, Strategic Steps and author
Ian McCormack, President of Strategic Steps, is Canadian-accredited as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and also certified as a change management practitioner. Ian has a broad range of experience, including work in government, for-profit, and non-profit spheres. His areas of interest include local government, ethics in governance, libraries, housing, post-secondary education, health, non-profit organisations, and community safety. He has contributed articles for Canada’s national local government magazine, Municipal World, on topics as diverse as social media use, business planning for local governments, and how to measure community well-being.
Marlo Baragwanath
Victorian Ombudsman, Australia
Marlo Baragwanath is the Victorian Ombudsman. She was appointed to a 10-year term in March 2024. Prior to her appointment, Marlo was the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, and before that, the Victorian Government Solicitor. She initially worked in private legal practice, and then began her public sector career at the Ombudsman’s office and went on to hold senior leadership roles at WorkSafe and the Victorian Building Authority. Marlo holds a Law (Honours)/Arts degree and a Master of Public Administration and Public Policy. Marlo is committed to supporting the public sector to make fair and reasonable decisions, to uphold integrity, and to promote human rights.
