Constitution - Councillor code of conduct

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to:

• assist councillors in modelling the behaviour that is expected
• provide a personal check and balance
• set out the type of conduct that could lead to action being taken against councillors
• protect councillors, the public, local authority officers and the reputation of local government

It sets out general principles of conduct expected of all councillors and their specific obligations to standards of conduct.

General principles of councillor conduct

The following general principles have been developed for the role of councillor. 

In accordance with the public trust placed in me, on all occasions: 

• I act with integrity and honesty
• I act lawfully
• I treat all persons fairly and with respect
• I lead by example and act in a way that secures public confidence in the role of councillor

In undertaking my role:

• I impartially exercise my responsibilities in the interests of the local community
• I do not improperly seek to confer an advantage, or disadvantage, on any person
• I avoid conflicts of interest
• I exercise reasonable care and diligence
• I ensure that public resources are used prudently in accordance with my local authority’s requirements and in the public interest

Application of the Code of Conduct 

This Code of Conduct applies to you as soon as you sign your declaration of acceptance of the office of councillor or attend your first meeting as a Member. 

When you are acting in your capacity as a councillor, this Code of Conduct will apply when either: 

• you misuse your position as a councillor
• your actions give the impression to a member of the public that you are acting as a councillor

The Code applies to all forms of communication and interaction, including:

• face-to-face meetings
• online or telephone meetings
• in written communication
• in verbal communication
• in non-verbal communication
• in electronic and social media communication, posts, statements and comments 

Your Monitoring Officer is responsible for implementing the Code of Conduct. Please seek advice from your Monitoring Officer for information on the Code of Conduct. 

Standards of councillor conduct

General conduct 

Respect 

As a councillor: 

• I treat other councillors and members of the public with respect.
• I treat local authority employees, employees and representatives of partner organisations and those volunteering for the local authority with respect and respect the role they play. 

You also have a right to expect respectful behaviour from the public. If you receive abuse, intimidation or threats, you can stop the conversation or interaction (in person or online) and report it to the local authority, the relevant social media provider or the police. 

Bullying, harassment and discrimination 

As a councillor:

• I do not bully or harass any person.
• I promote equalities and do not discriminate unlawfully against any person. 

More information on bullying, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, the Equality Act and unlawful discrimination is available in the full document:

Impartiality of council officers

As a councillor I do not compromise, or attempt to compromise, the impartiality of anyone who works for, or on behalf of, the local authority. 

Officers must be politically neutral (unless they are political assistants) and should not be coerced or persuaded to act in a way that would undermine their neutrality.

Confidentiality and access to information 

As a councillor, I do not disclose information given to me in confidence, or information I have acquired which is of a confidential nature, unless I have received the consent of a person authorised to give it. Exceptions to this are when: 

• I am required to do so by law
• the disclosure is made to a third party for the purpose of obtaining professional legal advice (provided the third party agrees not to disclose the information)
• the disclosure is reasonable and in the public interest and made in good faith and in compliance with the reasonable requirements of the local authority and I have consulted the Monitoring Officer prior to its release.

I do not use knowledge gained as a result of my role as a councillor for the advancement of myself or others. I do not prevent anyone from getting information that they are entitled to by law. 

Disrepute 

As a councillor I do not bring my role or local authority into disrepute. 

You should be aware that your actions might have an adverse impact on you, other councillors and/or your local authority. You can hold the local authority and fellow councillors to account, whilst continuing to adhere to other aspects of this Code of Conduct. 

Use of position 

As a councillor I do not use, or attempt to use, my position improperly to the advantage or disadvantage of myself or anyone else. 

Use of local authority resources and facilities

As a councillor I do not misuse council resources. 

You may be provided with resources and facilities by the local authority to assist you in carrying out your duties as a councillor. When using local authority resources, act in accordance with the local authority's requirements and ensure that resources are not used for political purposes.

Complying with the Code of Conduct 

As a Councillor: 

• I undertake Code of Conduct training provided by my local authority.
• I co-operate with any Code of Conduct investigation and/or determination.
• I do not intimidate or attempt to intimidate any person who is likely to be involved with the administration of any investigation or proceedings.
• I comply with any sanction imposed on me following a finding that I have breached the Code of Conduct. 

Protecting your reputation and the reputation of the local authority 

Interests 

As a councillor I register and disclose my interests. 

Section 29 of the Localism Act 2011 requires the Monitoring Officer to establish and maintain a register of interests of members of the authority. You need to register your interests so that the public, local authority employees and fellow councillors know which of your interests might cause a conflict of interest. This helps to ensure that public confidence in the integrity of local governance is maintained. 

Failure to register or disclose a disclosable pecuniary (financial) interest is a criminal offence under the Localism Act 2011. Appendix B sets out the detailed provisions on registering and disclosing interests. 

Gifts and hospitality 

As a councillor I do not accept gifts or hospitality. 

I register any gift or hospitality, with an estimated value of at least £50 within 28 days receiving it, with the Monitoring Officer. I also register any significant gift or hospitality that I have been offered but have refused to accept with the Monitoring Officer. 

You do not need to register gifts and hospitality that are not related to your role as a councillor, such as Christmas gifts from your friends and family. 

More information

To learn more about codes and protocols read the full document: