1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all members of the Neighbourhood Board and promotes integrity, transparency and accountability.
2. General Principles
Members shall act in the best interests of the community, support the aims of Pride in Place, promote public confidence and work collaboratively and constructively.
Members should make every reasonable effort to attend meetings of the Neighbourhood Board and any sub-groups established by the Board. Where a member fails to attend three consecutive meetings without reasonable explanation, the Board may consider their continued membership and, where appropriate, recommend their removal from the Board.
3. Nolan Principles
Board Members shall demonstrate Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership.
4. Respect and Behaviour
Treat all individuals with dignity, courtesy and respect. Members must not bully, harass, intimidate or discriminate.
5. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Promote fair opportunities for everyone to participate, respect diversity and support involvement from all sections of the Slade Green and Crayford Marshes community.
6. Community Leadership
Act as ambassadors for the programme and represent the interests of the wider community rather than personal, political or organisational interests.
6.1 Training and Development
Members are expected to participate in induction training and should seek opportunities to enhance their effectiveness as Neighbourhood Board members through relevant training and development. Members should also increase and maintain their knowledge and understanding of Slade Green and Crayford Marshes to support informed decision-making and effective representation of local interests.
7. Conflicts of Interest
Members must complete a declaration of interests, declare conflicts and withdraw from decisions where appropriate.
7.1 Examples of Conflicts of Interest
- Trustee, employee or volunteer of an organisation applying for Pride in Place funding.
- Ownership of land, property or a business that may benefit from a project.
- Family member or close associate connected to a funding application.
- Professional adviser or consultant to an organisation under consideration.
- Receipt of gifts, hospitality or benefits from organisations seeking programme support.
7.2 Managing Conflicts
Members should declare interests at the earliest opportunity, ensure they are recorded in the register of interests, seek advice where necessary and withdraw from discussion or voting where appropriate.
8. Stewardship of Public Funds
Members must promote value for money, support evidence-based decisions and avoid seeking preferential treatment for themselves or connected parties.
9. Confidentiality
Confidential, personal or commercially sensitive information must not be disclosed or used for personal benefit.
10. Communications and Media
Members should act as positive ambassadors and not claim to speak on behalf of the Board unless authorised.
10.1 Social Media and Online Communications
Members must maintain the same standards of conduct online as expected in Board meetings and other official activities. Members must not disclose confidential information, make statements on behalf of the Board without authority, or engage in behaviour that could bring the Board, the Pride in Place Programme, or partner organisations into disrepute. Personal views expressed online should not be presented as the views of the Board.
11. Gifts and Hospitality
Any gift or hospitality that could reasonably be perceived to influence decision making should be declared. Any gift should be recorded.
12. Collective Responsibility
Members should debate openly and respectfully. Members should make decisions based on evidence and the objectives of the Pride in Place programme. Once decisions are made, members should support the agreed position of the Board.
13. Breaches of the Code
Breaches may include failure to declare interests, misuse of confidential information, bullying, discrimination or conduct bringing the Board into disrepute.
14. Sanctions
The Board may issue advice, require training, issue a warning, refer the matter to the Accountable Body or recommend suspension from, or removal from, the Board.
15. Annual Declaration and Review
For the inaugural Board, members will be asked to sign the Code at the first Board meeting following adoption of this Code. Thereafter, members shall review and re-sign the Code annually at the first Board meeting following each anniversary of its adoption, or whenever a revised Code is approved by the Board.
Declaration
I confirm that I have read and understood this Code of Conduct and agree to abide by its requirements.