Close Personal Associations and Relationships Guidance - June 2026
In this section
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Scope
- 3. Principals
- 4. Roles and Responsibilities
- 5. Definition of Close Personal Associations / Relationships
- 6. Defining a Relevant Team or Establishment or Work Area
- 7. Recruitment and Appointment of Employees
- 8. Requirement to Disclose a Close Personal Association
- 9. Where there is a Relationship Between Applicant and Manager or Team Colleagues
- 10. Authority to Appoint
- 11. When Issues Cannot be Managed Effectively
- 12. When a Relationship Breaks Down
- 13. Conduct or Performance Issues
- 14. Close Personal Associations between an Employee and a Child / Young Person or Vulnerable Adult
- 15. Colleagues Affected by a Close Personal Association
- 16. Provision of References
- 17. Financial Regulations
- 18. Associations with Contractors or Potential Contractors
- 19. Failure to Disclose a Close Personal Association
- 20. Ensuring Equality of Opportunity
- APPENDIX 1 - Officers' Declaration of Personal Interests
- APPENDIX 2 - Relationship Protocol
11. When Issues Cannot be Managed Effectively
Where any issues identified cannot be managed effectively there will be the need to explore, in discussion with both employees, whether a move to another team, establishment or location might be the most appropriate way forward. Managers should seek advice from the HR Team prior to discussing a move with an employee.
When discussing such an issue there should be no assumptions made, on gender, status / grade etc. as to who might be the most appropriate employee to move. Care should be taken to avoid discrimination and ensure that the views of the individuals involved are considered, balancing this with the needs of the service and the issues that present themselves.
In the event that no agreement is reached with the parties to move to another team, establishment or work area, careful consideration will need to be given to whether or not it is reasonable for the Authority to determine that a transfer of one or both of the parties must take place. Advice must be sought from HR in such circumstances.