Code of Conduct
1. The Stickford Parish Council have adopted this code and have set out the expected behaviour required of its councillors and Co Opted councillors.
2. Each councillor by signing the acceptance of office has agreed to abide by the rules of that office, to work constructively with each other and the clerk.
3. Each councillor being elected or co opted on to the council to serve the residents should attend every statutory meeting by summons and (unless by illness or working away) should take preference over all other activities.
4. Each councillor should inform the clerk when non attendance is because of either of the two reasons above or any other reason subject to para 3 above
5. In accordance with the Localism Act , ( document held separately), standards of behaviour and procedure at Parish Council meetings is paramount , and when representing the parish at any time.
6. Parish Councillors are expected by their residents to apply the code of conduct at all times. Residents should be made aware if Parish Councillors are not on duty.
7. Each Parish Councillor should when organising or leading any task or project make themselves and or volunteers aware of the risk issues per task or project including any health and safety issues. The current regulation says if under 5 workers there may be no reason to record but for your own protection ensure you are fully aware of all risk and health factors by making notes. There is an accident record book available from the Chairman and perhaps you may need some form of first aid i.e. plasters.
NOTE. There is a risk assessment document on line or from the clerk.
PARISH COUNCILLORS OBLIGATIONS
1. Councillors shall respect other councillors and expect to be treated in the same way.
2. Councillors shall not act in a way which is regarded as bullying, intimidation, or harassment.
3. Councillors shall not seek to be biased or non-biased.
4. Councillors shall use the resources of the council in accordance with its requirements.
5. Councillors shall not disclose information which is confidential or where disclosure is prohibited by law. To disclose would cause harm or distress to members of the public / residents.
NOTE 1. DISPOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST
All Councillors must complete the DPI registration of interest forms within 28 days of signing the acceptance of office, and must be updated if any circumstances have changed.
NOTE 2.
The DPI forms are available from the clerk ( proper officer).
THE EXPLANATIONS
BELOW ARE WHAT THE COUNCIL EXPECT.
1. SELFLESSNESS. Holders of public office should act solely in terms of public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
2. INTEGRITY. Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligations to outside individuals holders of public office should or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
3. OBJECTIVITY. In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
4. ACCOUNTABILITY. Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
5. OPENNESS. Holders of public office should be open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information/respect parish council confidentially only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
6. HONESTY. Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in any way that protects the public interest.
7. LEADERSHIP. Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
NOTE. All forms and technical documents that cover the Code of Conduct and Code of Practice are held in a separate folder and are available from the Proper Office / Clerk as listed below:
a) Disposable Pecuniary Interest ALL COUNCILLORS ( 3 Pages ) Mandatory
b) Dispensation request form ( 1 Page ) Optional
c) Declaration of Acceptance of office :
Every Councillor including Co-opted to complete ( 1 Page ) Mandatory
Extra for Chairman of Council ( 1 Page ) Mandatory
Extra for Vice Chairman of the Council ( 1 Page ) Mandatory
Extra for other official duties per Councillor ( 1 Page ) Mandatory
Approved by the council on 12th July 2022