1.0 Introduction

1.1 The purpose of this protocol is to guide members and officers of the Council in their relations with one another.

1.2 Given the variety and complexity of such relations, this protocol does not seek to be either prescriptive or comprehensive. It seeks simply to offer guidance on some of the issues which most commonly arise. It is hoped however that the approach which it adopts to these issues will serve as a guide to dealing with other issues.

1.3 This protocol is to a large extent no more than a written statement of current practice and convention. In some respects however, it seeks to promote greater clarity and certainty.

1.4 This protocol also seeks to reflect the principles underlying the respective Codes of Conduct which apply to members and officers. The shared object of these codes is to enhance and maintain the integrity (real and perceived) of local government and they therefore demand very high standards of personal conduct.

1.5 A relevant extract from the National Code of Local Government Conduct for members is reproduced below:

23. Both councillors and officers are servants of the public and they are indispensable to one another. But their responsibilities are distinct. Councillors are responsible to the electorate and serve only so long as their term of office lasts. Officers are responsible to the council. Their job is to give advice to councillors and the council, and to carry out the council’s work under the direction and control of the council, their committees and sub-committees.

24. Mutual respect between councillors and officers is essential to good local government. Close personal familiarity between individual councillors and officers can damage this relationship and prove embarrassing to other councillors and officers.

1.6 In line with the National Code’s reference to “mutual respect”, it is important that any dealings between members and officers should observe reasonable standards of courtesy and that neither party should seek to take unfair advantage of their position.

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