ethical framework code of conduct for councillors and employees pdf ...

ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCILCOUNCILCUSTOMER SERVICES 22 May 2012CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COUNCILLORS AND EMPLOYEES1.0 SUMMARY1.1 The individual Codes of Conduct that regulate the activities andbehaviour of both Councillors and Officers has been brought together inone document (attached at appendix 1) to ensure that Councillors andOfficers each clearly understand their own roles and rules, but also haveready access to the full set of regulations and guidance around conductand behaviour.1.2 The revised Codes of Conduct were discussed and agreed at the SMTheld on 6 February 2012, subject to the Chief Executive’s approval,which was granted following the meeting.2.0 RECOMMENDATIONSThe Code of Conduct for Councillors and Employees as set out atappendix 1 is approved; andAppropriate training be arranged for all Members in relation to theCouncillor Code of Conduct.3.0 DETAIL3.1 Code of Conduct for Councillors3.1.1 All Scottish Local Authorities subscribe to the Code of Conduct forCouncillors, as enforced by the Standards Commission for Scotland, as aset of minimum standards by which all elected members should comply.3.1.2 As with employees, the Scottish public has a high expectation ofCouncillors and the way in which they should conduct themselves inundertaking their duties in the Council. All Councillors must meet thoseexpectations by ensuring that their behaviour is above reproach. Anyactions in breach of the Code of Conduct will be reported to theStandards Commission as per the guidelines.3.1.3 The Code of Conduct for Councillors has been amended to include localsupplementary standards for councillors and to reflect the organisationalchanges that have taken place. The Code of Conduct for Councillorsmakes explicit the high expectations that should be observed by aCouncillor who represents Argyll and Bute Council. The behaviour ofCouncillors, and employees, directly impacts upon the reputation and

integrity of the Council, therefore it is important to reiterate theimportance of the Code of Conduct and the standards that are expectedof those serving the public.3.2 Employee Code of Conduct3.2.1 The Council’s Employee Code of Conduct was developed following theadoption by COSLA of the National Code of Conduct for LocalGovernment Employees. The Code was initially introduced in 1998 andis subject to regular review and update.3.2.2 The public expects a high standard of conduct from local governmentemployees and this code sets out the minimum standards of conduct thatare expected from an employee of Argyll and Bute Council. Allemployees must comply with the standards and principles set out in thisCode.3.2.3 The revised Employee Code of Conduct has been amended to provideclear and helpful advice to employees to avoid any breach of the Code,which could lead to disciplinary action.3.3 Both Codes have been scrutinised by the Improvement and HR Serviceand following approval by the SMT, the Head of Improvement and HRhas consulted with the Trade Unions in regard to the revised EmployeeCode of Conduct and has put in place arrangements to provide the TradeUnions with clarification on the points raised.3.4 Governance and Law will, upon approval of the Codes, make specificarrangements for training for all Members in relation to the Code ofConduct for Councillors.3.5 Council Constitution3.5.1 If the Code of Conduct for Councillors and Employees is approved, PartF (Ethical Framework) of the Council Constitution will require to beupdated accordingly.4.0 CONCLUSIONS4.1 The individual Codes of Conduct that regulate the activities andbehaviour of both Councillors and Officers has been brought together toprovide a clear and accessible resource to inform everyone of thebehaviours and conduct standards expected of everyone within Argylland Bute Council.5.0 IMPLICATIONS5.1. Policy – Council Constitution to be updated to reflect changes inCodes of Conduct5.2. Finance - none

5.3. Legal - none5.4. Equal Opportunities – none5.5. HR – Consultation has taken place with TU’s5.6 Risk – none6.0 APPENDICESAppendix 1 – Code of Conduct for Councillors and EmployeesDouglas HendryExecutive Director - Customer Services12 March 2012