h. Conduct

Councils have a legal duty under s.27, Localism Act 2011 to promote and maintain high standards of conduct and, in doing so, must adopt a code dealing with the standards expected of its members and 'co-opted members' (defined in the Act as non-members appointed to committees or sub-committees, with voting rights).

Most councils have now adopted the LGA Model Councillor Code of Conduct, which is included with accompanying guidance in the 'Conduct' section.  The Code applies when 'acting in the capacity' of a councillor. It incorporates the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles, and general principles developed specifically for the role of councillor.

The Code covers the registration and disclosure of the three categories of interests - disclosable pecuniary, 'other registerable' and 'non-registerable'. 

It is important that clerks and councillors have a good understanding of the LGA Code, there being significant changes from the previous Suffolk Code.

Use this link to view The Model Council -  Code of Conduct and Standards 
Use this link to view The Model Council - Employment