Principles of Conduct in Public Service

Set out below are the seven general principles of conduct that underpin public life (the Nolan Principles). We need to take account of these, and they are reflected within the requirements of the code of conduct document.

Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

The Future Generations Act sets out five ways of working needed for public organisations to achieve the seven wellbeing goals. They provide an opportunity for innovative thinking, reflecting the way we live our lives and what we expect of our public services.

The Council is committed to living out its values. Working together as One Team we will:

• Focus on our customers
• Listen to improve
• Strive for excellence
• Act with integrity
• Take personal responsibility

Further information can be found by visiting our Core Values page.

Everyone has a responsibility to embrace and support equality and diversity and to challenge behaviour and attitudes that prevent us from achieving this.

We are all personally responsible for ensuring that we positively support the principles of equality and diversity at all times, co-operate by promoting good relations and challenge inappropriate behaviour by following the values set out in our Equality and Diversity Policy and other associated policies and guidance.

You must:

• Treat others fairly and with respect at all stages of employment including the recruitment process
• Ensure others are free from harassment, discrimination or victimisation of any description, and create an environment where everyone has the right to challenge inappropriate behaviour in a safe environment

You must not:

• Discriminate unfairly in employment practices, the provision of facilities or services.

In demonstrating your commitment to the environment you must:

• Consider the environmental impact of your actions and decisions
• Reduce, re-use and recycle wherever possible
• Develop environmentally sensitive policies and practices with suppliers, partners, and customers