Section 14: Code of conduct

• Joint statement
• Introduction
• Definitions
• Purpose of the Code of Conduct
• General principles of councillor conduct
• Application of the Code of Conduct
• Standards of councillor conduct
• General Conduct
• 1. Respect
• 2. Bullying, harassment and discrimination
• 3. Impartiality of officers of the council
• 4. Confidentiality and access to information
• 5. Disrepute
• 6. Use of position
• 7. Use of local authority resources and facilities
• 8. Complying with the Code of Conduct
• 9. Protecting your reputation and the reputation of the local authority
• 10. Gifts and hospitality
• Appendix A – The Seven Principles of Public Life
• Appendix B Registering Interests
• Appendix C – the Committee on Standards in Public Life

Local Government Association Model Councillor Code of Conduct 2020

This Code has been designed to protect our democratic role, encourage good conduct and safeguard the public’s trust in local government.

Categories of Interests flowchart

Click thumbnail to expand.

Categories of Interests Flowchart alternative text

The flowchart gives a simple guide to declaring an interest under the Code of Conduct.

A flowchart with multiple steps coloured in purple for questions and yellow for conclusions. Text in boxes as below. 

Question 1 - purple box. Does the matter directly relate to one of my DPls (disclosable pecuniary interest) (set out in Table 1)?

Yes - yellow box. l have a DPl and cannot take part without a dispensation. End of flow.

No - question 2 - purple box. Does the matter directly relate to the finances or wellbeing of one of my ORls (other registerable interests) (set out in Table 2)?

Yes - yellow box. l have an ORI and must disclose it. I may speak as a member of the public but not discuss or vote and must leave the room. End of flow.

No - question 3 - purple box. Does it directly relate to the finances or wellbeing of me, a relative or a close associate?

Yes - yellow box. l have an NRI (non-registerable interest) and must disclose it. I may speak as a member of the public but not discuss or vote and must leave the room. End of flow.

No - question 4 - purple box. Does it affect the finances or wellbeing of me, a relative, a close associate or one of my ORIs?

No - yellow box. I have no interest to disclose. End of flow.

Yes - purple box. Am l or they affected to a greater extent than most people? And would a reasonable person think my judgement is clouded?

Yes - question 5 - yellow box. I have an interest and must disclose it. I may speak as a member of the public but not discuss or vote and must leave the room. End of flow.

No - yellow box. You declare it but can take part. End of flow.