What the Pledge Means
The Civility & Respect Pledge is a public commitment to positive behaviour, respectful meetings, safe working environments, and professional relationships. Councils should only sign when they can demonstrate that they understand the expectations and can uphold them in practice. Explain the pledge to your full council, in plain English, so councillors know what they are signing.
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Are You Ready?
Before signing the Civility & Respect Pledge, councils should pause and reflect on their journey so far. By completing induction, understanding the Code of Conduct, adopting good meeting behaviours, and carrying out both the individual and council culture reviews, your council will already have taken the essential first steps toward building a respectful and professional culture. The next stage is to check that the right structures, policies, and support systems are in place to uphold the pledge in practice.
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Adopting & Upholding The Pledge
Adopting the Civility & Respect Pledge is a formal commitment by the council to maintain high standards of behaviour and to promote a safe, respectful working environment for members, staff, volunteers, and the public. Once the council is confident it meets the readiness criteria, the pledge should be adopted through a clear agenda item and resolution, published on the council’s website, and registered with NALC.
Remember: Upholding The Pledge is an ongoing responsibility.
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Add Your Council's Name ...
... the the thousands who have already committed to upholding high standards of public office. There is no place for bullying, harassment and intimidation in our sector. The pledge is easy for parish and town councils to sign up to, but good conduct is not a tick-box exercise, it's a behavioural practice, that requires self reflection and regular review.
