Code Of Conduct For St Mawgan-in-Pydar Parish Council Members (Public).pdf

9th June 2021

This code, mandated by the Localism Act 2011, outlines ethical standards for members and co-opted members of St Mawgan-in-Pydar Parish Council, based on general principles of public life. It includes:

- Selflessness: Members should act solely in the public interest, avoiding personal gain or disadvantage.
- Honesty and Integrity: Members must maintain clear separation between private and official roles to prevent questions of integrity.
- Objectivity: Decisions should be based on merit, free from bias.
- Accountability: Members are accountable to the public for their actions and should cooperate with scrutiny.
- Openness: Actions and decisions should be transparent.
- Leadership: Members should promote and exemplify these principles.

Additional Principles Expected by Cornwall Council:

- Duty to Uphold the Law: Members must act within legal boundaries.
- Personal Judgement: Members can consider others' views but should form their own conclusions.
- Respect for Others: Promote equality, treat people with respect regardless of identity, and respect impartiality of statutory officers.
- Stewardship: Ensure authorities use resources prudently and in accordance with the law.

Key Definitions:

- Disclosable Pecuniary Interest: Financial interests that must be declared (includes spouse/civil partner, cohabitants).
- Dispensation: Relief from certain restrictions for specific interests.
- Interest: Disclosable pecuniary or non-registerable interest.
- Meeting: Any Council, Cabinet, or committee gathering.
- Member: Elected or co-opted members.
- Non-Registerable Interest: Interests not requiring disclosure (see code for details).
- Sensitive Interest: Interests where disclosure could lead to violence or intimidation.
- Trade Union: As defined by the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1992.

Code Structure:

The code is divided into parts covering:

- Application of the Code
- General Obligations
- Registering and Declaring Interests
- Sensitive Interests
- Pecuniary Interests
- Non-Registerable Interests