Issue - meetings

The Committee considered proposed changes to the Code of Conduct for Officers, which had been reviewed to ensure it had clear processes and procedures regarding officers’ conduct.

Members reviewed the Code and, in view of recent changes to the Speak Up Policy and Member & Officer Protocol, it was suggested that the wording at paragraph 13.3 be updated to ensure staff were encouraged to raise any issues within the parameters set out in these documents.

The Committee considered the section of the Code addressing Political Neutrality and it was suggested that a reference to residents of the borough should be inserted to paragraph 7.1. It was also advised that managers had recently received political awareness training and the training would be reviewed on a regular basis.

It was advised that, following a request at the Joint Staff Consultative Group meeting, the Monitoring Officer had confirmed that he was happy with the current provisions at paragraph 19.4 concerning hospitality offered by other local authorities or public bodies.

RESOLVED that the revised Code of Conduct for Officers, as set out at Annex A to the agenda report, as amended, be adopted, with the wording to be finalised in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee.