Application of the Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct applies to councillors as soon as they sign the declaration of acceptance of the office of councillor or attend their first meeting as a co-opted member. It continues to apply to you until they cease to be a councillor.
This Code of Conduct applies to councillors when they are acting in their capacity as a councillor which may include when:
- they misuse your position as a councillor;
- their actions would give the impression to a reasonable member of the public with knowledge of all the facts that they are acting as a councillor;
The Code applies to all forms of communication and interaction, including:
- at face-to-face meetings;
- at online or telephone meetings;
- in written communication;
- in verbal communication;
- in non-verbal communication; and
- in electronic and social media communication, posts, statements and comments.
Councillors are also expected to uphold high standards of conduct and show leadership at all times when acting as a councillor.
The Monitoring Officer has statutory responsibility for the implementation of the Code of Conduct, and councillors are encouraged to seek advice from the Monitoring Officer on any matters that may relate to the Code of Conduct. Town and parish councillors are encouraged to seek advice from their Clerk, who may refer matters to the Monitoring Officer.