Part 5 - Appendix 2 - Protocol on the relationship between Officers and Members of Gloucestershire County Council
Appendix 2 - protocol on the relationship between Officers and Members of Gloucestershire County Council of the Code of Conduct for Employees.
- Introduction
- The role of elected Members - The role of County Councillors as Members of full Council and Council bodies
- The standing of County Councillors as individual Members of the Council
- Other roles of County Councillors
- The role of Officers - The role of Officers in the course of their employment
- Contact between Officers and Members other than in the course of Officers’ employment
- Sources of difficulty
- Political neutrality - Supporting the work of the Council
- Lobbying Members
- Giving advice and providing information
- Confidentiality
- Dealing with the Press
- Member pressure on Officers
- Blurring of Officers and Members public and private roles
- The role of Group Leaders and senior Officers
- Conclusion
- Although this protocol is not intended to lay down absolute or comprehensive guidance on the relationship between Members and Officers, it may be a relevant consideration in the determination of disciplinary action against an Officer under the Authority’s disciplinary procedures. It may also be relevant to the determination of a complaint against a Member referred to the Monitoring Officer and/or the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee alleging a breach of the Code of Conduct for Members.
- Finally, it should be borne in mind that the foundation of harmonious and business-like working relations between Members and Officers is built upon notions of mutual trust, respect and an overriding commitment to the best interests of the people of Gloucestershire. Provided Members and Officers strive to uphold these principles the Council is likely to remain focused on its primary goal, which is to provide high quality and continually improving services for the benefit of local people.
Page updated:
12/10/2020