Welsh Ombudsman issues guidance for members on code of conduct
The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has published a guide on the Model Code of Conduct in a bid to help members understand their obligations.
The Code – which was issued in 2008 by Welsh ministers – applies to all members and co-opted members of local authorities, community councils, fire and rescue authorities and national park authorities in Wales.
The Ombudsman’s guidance covers:
- The principles of the Code and how individuals can decide whether it applies to them
- General obligations under the Code, such as equality, treating others with respect, bullying and harassment, and compromising the impartiality of officers of the authority
- Personal and prejudicial interests, and
- Registration of interests.
Examples of actual cases considered by the Ombudsman – together with decisions reached by local standards committees and the Adjudication Panel for Wales – are included in the guidance.
Writing in the forward, the Ombudsman, Peter Tyndall, advised members: “The guide is intended to help you to understand the Code and how it applies, but it cannot hope to cover every conceivable circumstance. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to take specific advice from your monitoring officer or clerk where appropriate and to make a decision as to the most suitable course of action.”
He added: “It is important that we should all work collaboratively to drive up standards and to create a culture where members are respected for their selflessness, objectivity and respectful behaviour. If we do so, we can build public confidence in our democratic institutions and promote good governance for the benefit of the people of all of our communities.”
The guidance, which can be downloaded here, draws on guidance prepared and issued by Standards for England on the English Code of Conduct. However, it has been extended and amended to refer to the Welsh Code and to the Welsh context.
