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
13. Conduct or Performance Issues
As with any employee, significant conduct or performance issues may need to be dealt with, where appropriate, under the Authority’s Disciplinary or Capability procedures. Much would depend on the nature and degree of the issue concerned or whether alternative approaches as outlined in this policy would be more appropriate or effective.