Lichfield City Council Code of Conduct
At its meeting of 16 December 2024, the city Council adopted the Local Government Association's Model Code of Conduct.
Structure of the Model Code
General Principles – these build on the Nolan Principles and are developed specifically for Councillors
- Application of the Code – i.e. when it applies
- Standards of conduct – sets out minimum standards of conduct under 10 headings. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in a complaint and subsequent action.
- Appendix A – The Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles)
- Appendix B – Registering Interests; detailed provisions on registering and disclosing interests.
1. General Principles
The Council’s existing code refers to standards of conduct based on the Nolan Principles.
The Model Code builds on the Nolan principles, setting out general principles developed specifically for the role of councillor:
• I act with integrity and honesty
• I act lawfully
• I treat all persons fairly and with respect; and
• I lead by example and act in a way that secures public confidence in the role of councillor.
In undertaking my role:
• I impartially exercise my responsibilities in the interests of the local community.
• I do not improperly seek to confer an advantage or disadvantage on any person.
• I avoid conflicts of interest.
• I exercise reasonable care and diligence; and
• I ensure that public resources are used prudently in accordance with my local authority’s
requirements and in the public interest.
2. Application of the Code of Conduct
Both Codes apply while a person is acting in the capacity of a councillor. However, the Model Code gives more clarity about when this applies:
‘Your actions would give the impression to a reasonable member of the public with knowledge of the facts that you are acting as a councillor’
The Model Code also provides clear guidance on the forms and types of communication that are within scope, including social media communication, posts, statements and comments.
3. Standards of Conduct
The Model Code sets out ten obligations with an explanation of what each means in practice:
Respect
The Model Code explains that respect means politeness and courtesy in behaviour, speech and the written word. It states that councillors have a right to expect respectful behaviour from the public
Bullying, harassment and discrimination
The Model Code gives a clear definition to all the above
Impartiality of officers of the Council
To confirm the impartiality of officers
Confidentiality and Access to Information
Includes a requirement to consult the Monitoring Officer in certain circumstances and not to improperly use knowledge gained as a councillor for personal advantage
Disrepute
The Model code clarifies that a councillor can hold the Council and fellow councillors to account or constructively challenge and express concern about decisions and processes, providing they adhere to the other aspects of the code
Use of Position
Use of Local Authority Resources
Complying with the Code of Conduct
Reputation of members and the local authority
Includes a section on the registration and declaration of interests and separate Appendix
Gifts and Hospitality
The Code requires councillors to register any gift with a value of £50 or more with the Monitoring Officer. The Model Code puts emphasis on councillors not accepting gifts or hospitality irrespective of value which could give rise to a reasonable suspicion that it would lead to securing influence with them.