What do we mean by core principles and behaviours?
As an organisation Devon County Council (DCC) wants to unlock the potential of individuals, teams and the organisation through embedding core principles and behaviours to increase the effectiveness of DCC to do what matters for the people of Devon.
Our principles and behaviours are designed to give us an understanding of who we are as an organisation and who we want to be. A framework to help us understand:
- how we work with Devon citizens
- how we work with each other
- our expectations for ourselves and each other
They are a fundamental part of our overall approach to becoming a learning organisation; committed to continually evolving, adapting and transforming so that we can deliver the best possible services for the people and communities of Devon.
Our principles and behaviours have been developed by a diverse group of staff from across the council, including our leaders, managers and staff from all service areas, and will continue to improve and evolve as we start to embed them in all areas of the council.
What are our principles and behaviours?
The principles and behaviours apply to everyone at every level of the organisation. They underpin our approach to all the work that we do. Each principle has closely related behaviours, but all the principles and behaviours work together to help us to make good decisions and understand the logical next step.
Download a printable version of the core principles and behaviours infographic
Our core principles – what we focus on
Our core principles outline what we expect from our organisation and the way we work. They lead to clarity on purpose and direction and help us to create a culture of learning.
- Intent – create clarity on purpose and direction. Look to create shared understanding on where we want to go, why, and the impact we want to create
- Culture – seek to understand the current culture and be honest about where we currently are. Use this understanding to learn and create the future culture together
- Learning – creating a space where everyone can feel safe to learn by doing, testing, and reflecting on what worked, what didn’t work and why
- Clarity – seek clarity about roles, boundaries and discretion, and work to create this clarity for others
- Honest and productive conversations – creating a safe environment where everyone feels able to share and test what they are thinking and why. Creating the foundations for better learning, greater clarity and stronger relationships
Our core behaviours – who we are
Our core behaviours outline how we should act and behave in our work and in our interactions with others. They are described in terms of expectations and impact.
- Generous – create the time and space for yourself and others to learn and develop. Recognise the contribution each person makes and celebrate success and achievements. Provide others with effective and supportive feedback which promotes learning and development in a timely and compassionate manner
- Curious – be interested in people’s stories and what is really happening for them. Explore and understand facts and identify the real issue to solve so that conclusions are made based on evidence, knowledge and understanding. Seek to learn from people, data, technology, and the things around you
- Committed – be enthusiastic, willing and keen about new challenges and opportunities. Deliver agreed outputs, objectives and milestones, and do what you say you are going to do on time. Be determined, driven and motivated. Work out loud where possible and share updates and challenges in a timely way
- Inspiring – encourage and empower others. Give others support and confidence to try new things, challenge, ask questions and make good decisions. Commit to doing the right thing, not the easy thing. Be innovative, creative and open minded in finding solutions
- Authentic – show trust, integrity and humility. Feel confident to bring your whole self to work and be real, genuine and sincere. Be keen to seek and understand the beliefs and values of others
- Respectful – always act with kindness and compassion. Actively support and value different approaches, views and skills. Be intolerant of racism; embrace equality and challenge discrimination. Treat yourself and others with dignity, trust and courtesy
Professional skills
Our professional knowledge and skills are the qualifications, experience and expertise we have acquired – they inform our thinking, approaches, and decision making. We work to continually learn and develop, and share knowledge with others.