Agenda item

A joint report of the Town Clerk and Chief Executive and the Comptroller and City Solicitor relative to the adoption of the Member/Officer Charter.

The Committee considered a joint report of the Town Clerk and Chief Executive and the Comptroller and City Solicitor relative to the adoption of a proposed Member/Officer Charter which was set out before Members for consideration. It was noted that the proposed Charter had been based on the current version of the Member/Officer Protocol which was adopted by the Court of Common Council in 2006 and most recently reviewed and updated in April 2019.

Members commented on the importance of ensuring that high standards of behaviour were demonstrated at all times and maintained by Members given their position as holders of public office.

In response to a query about how the Charter would be rolled out to staff and Members, the Town Clerk and Chief Executive advised that, subject to approval by the Court of Common Council, the Charter would be rolled out in multiple ways to ensure that it was profiled as soon as possible. The Town Clerk’s podcast and staff communication tools, along with staff induction arrangements, would be used to profile the Charter amongst officers.  With regards to Members, a key point for implementation would be after the 2022 ward elections and during the Member induction period. Other forums in which to profile the Charter would also be explored such as the Chairmen’s Suppers.

Resolved:- That the proposed Member/Officer Charter be approved and, with the consent of the Policy and Resources Committee, a recommendation thereon be submitted to the Court of Common Council.