The code is an overarching statement of ethics, based upon behaviour and therefore focuses on the individual, as opposed to group or organizational culture.   It is intended to be applicable to all those who play roles or practice in local public services led by locally elected or appointed politicians.

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The expectation of this professional body is that every person working in local government administration or the local governance sector will adopt the code of ethics. This includes those engaged on a permanent, temporary, full-time, part-time, casual, consultancy, contracted or voluntary basis.

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All staff in local government service or operating in the local governance sector are critical role models. Good leadership will encourage ethical behaviour throughout the sector. Those who are valued, listened to and well led are likely to feel a greater sense of belonging, and so are more likely to act with integrity.

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Selflessness                                                          

Local Governance Practitioners should act solely in terms of the public interest

• Put the people you serve first

• Advise wisely and implement faithfully

• Ensure the need to speak truth to power, challenge impropriety or investigate wrongdoing comes before your own popularity or career prospects

• Carry out your obligations and duties to the best of your ability and seek additional training or support where necessary.

• Support your colleagues in their work

• Demonstrate an efficient and effective use of public resources

• Consider the changing needs and expectations of local communities, and do what is necessary and proportionate to address them

• Be faithful to your organisation’s purpose

 

Integrity

Local Governance Practitioners should avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try to influence them inappropriately in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They should declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

 

• Show courage in doing what you believe is right

• Ensure decisions and actions are not influenced by improper considerations or personal gain

• Neither solicit nor accept the offer of any gift, gratitude or hospitality that could, or be seen to, compromise your impartiality

• Do not use your position to inappropriately coerce any person or settle personal grievances

• Remain composed and respectful, even in the face of provocation

• Ensure that any relationship at work does not create an actual or apparent conflict of interest

• Take a personal responsibility to assess whether we have performed appropriately

 

Objectivity

Local Governance Practitioners should act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best available evidence and without discrimination or bias

• Proactively seek evidence in advance of making decisions

• Promote evidence-led decision making

• Keep an open mind and do not prejudge situations or individuals

• Be aware of the influence that unconscious biases can have on your actions and decisions

• Use all information, training, equipment and management support you are provided with and take personal responsibly for your continuous professional development and keeping yourself up to date on your role and responsibilities

• Actively seek or use opportunities to promote equalities and diversity and uphold the law regarding human rights and equalities

• Ensure frameworks for decision making are robust, legal and sound

• Ensure political decision makers have access to balanced, accurate and well-informed advice, even when it is counter to the prevailing orthodoxy or when they do not want to receive it.

 

Accountability

Local Governance Practitioners are accountable for their decisions and actions and should submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

• Take full responsibility for, and be prepared to explain and justify, your actions and decisions and those made within your span of responsibility to the public.

• Encourage challenge and review of decision making to ensure that good practice is identified and lessons are learned.

• Ensure the appropriate accurate records of your decisions and actions are kept

• Safeguard confidential information and ensure the protection of personal data to comply with Data Protection legislation  

 

Openness

Local Governance Practitioners should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for doing so.

• Share information with colleagues, partners and the public when required for legitimate purposes and in a way that respects democratic decision making.

• Ensure briefings are made available to all political groups and not just those in positions of power

• Seek to create cultures that embrace learning, scrutiny and continuous improvement

• Model a presumption of transparency

• Share information in a manner that promotes accessibility 

 

Honesty

Local Governance Practitioners should act with sincerity and respect the need for truthfulness.

• Do not knowingly make false, misleading or inaccurate oral or written statements

• Ensure all communications seek to actively engage and inform the audience

• Be mindful at all times and ensuring the appropriate checks and balances are in place which guard individuals and organisations

• Be prepared to challenge and be challenged

• Promote a culture that supports and encourages whistle blowing.