Code of conduct

​The code of conduct is the set of standards and principles which everyone who works for the council is expected to follow, including interims, agency workers and council employees who are seconded to other organisations.

For full information, you should read our code of conduct (PDF, 305KB) or the EasyRead version (PDF, 3.6MB).

If you think someone has breached the code

If you think someone has breached the code of conduct, you should talk to your line manager, unless they are the party in question, and refer to our ​whistleblowing policy for more information.

You may also wish to read our information on reporting fraud and corruption.​

Principles that you should follow

The 7 principles in this code meets the recommendations of the Nolan Committees standards in public life.

Selflessness

You should act solely in terms of the public interest.

Integrity

You must avoid placing yourself under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence you in your work. You should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for yourself, your family, or your friends. You must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

Objectivity

You must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

Accountability

You are accountable to the public for your decisions and actions and must submit yourself to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

Openness

You should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

Honesty

You should be truthful.

Leadership

You should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. You should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.