Declaration of Acceptance of Office & Code of Conduct
Every councillor must sign the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, confirming they understand and will abide by the council’s Code of Conduct. Clerks should ensure each councillor receives the Code alongside the declaration and understands its expectations from day one. This is the legal foundation of good behaviour and must happen before a councillor acts in their role. Clerks should make sure councillors understand disclosable interests, and submit these forms to the Monitoring Officer within 28 days
Resources
Statement of Assurance
Councils should affirm shared values by publicly reading the NALC Civility & Respect Statement of Assurance at the next Full Council meeting. This sets expectations for conduct, mutual respect and behaviour toward staff, councillors, and the community. A public affirmation reinforces culture, signals leadership commitment and sets the tone for the council year. Clerks should add the reading to the next council agenda and publish the statement on the website. Revisit this annually at the Annual Council Meeting.
Resources
Induction Pack & Early Training
New councillors must receive an Induction Pack covering essential governance, conduct expectations, and practical responsibilities. Early training should follow quickly to help members understand their role and avoid misunderstandings. Most conduct issues arise from misunderstanding the role — not malice.
Resources
Training
Complaints Procedure
Councils must have a clear, publicised Complaints Procedure that explains how residents can raise concerns and how councillor Code of Conduct complaints are routed to the Monitoring Officer. Clear processes reduce conflict, prevent escalation, and protect both councillors and the clerk.
Actions:
-
Publish the Complaints Policy on the website
-
Make sure staff and councillors understand the process
-
Ensure Code of Conduct complaints go via the Monitoring Officer, not the Clerk
Resources