Our standards

Our code of conduct.

Code of conduct

We are committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct from our councillors and officers. These standards are detailed in the:

Principles of the members' (councillors) code of conduct

Principle

Explanation

Selflessness Members should serve only the public interest and should never improperly confer an advantage or disadvantage on any person
Integrity Members should not place themselves in situations where their integrity may be questioned, should not behave improperly and should on all occasions avoid the appearance of such behaviour.
Objectivity Members should make decisions on merit, including when making appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards or benefits.
Accountability Members should be accountable to the public for their actions and the manner in which they carry out their responsibilities, and should co-operate fully and honestly with any scrutiny appropriate to their particular office.
Openness Members should be as open as possible about their actions and those of their authority and should be prepared to give reasons for those actions.
Honesty Members should not place themselves in situations where their honesty may be questioned, should not behave improperly and should on all occasions avoid the appearance of such behaviour.
Leadership Members should promote and support these principles by Leadership, and by example, and should act in a way that secures or preserves public confidence.

How the council is managed

For more on the role of an officer and the role of a councillor, and how the council is run, go to council management.

Make a complaint about a councillor or a co-opted member

If a councillor or co-opted member of the council has failed to comply with the members' code of conduct, you can make a complaint about them. Find out how to make a complaint about a councillor.