The National Association of Local Councils (NALC), the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) and One Voice Wales (OVW) have launched The Civility and Respect Pledge as part of the Civility and Respect Project.
NALC, SLCC, and OVW believe it's time to put civility and respect at the top of the agenda and start a culture change for the local council sector. The pledge is easy for local (parish and town) councils to sign up for and will enable councils to demonstrate that they are committed to standing up to poor behaviour across the sector and driving through positive changes that support civil and respectful conduct.
By signing the pledge, the council agrees that the council will treat councillors, clerks, employees, members of the public, and representatives of partner organisations and volunteers with civility and respect in their roles and that it:
- Has put in place a training programme for councillors and staff
- Has signed up to the Code of Conduct for councillors
- Has good governance arrangements in place, including staff contracts and a dignity at work policy
- Will seek professional help at the early stages should civility and respect issues arise.
- Will commit to calling out bullying and harassment if and when it happens
- Will continue to learn from best practices in the sector and aspire to be a role model/champion council through, for example, the local Local Council Award Scheme
- Supports the continued lobbying for change in legislation to support the Civility and Respect Pledge, including sanctions for elected members where appropriate
Throughout the sector, there are growing concerns about the impact of bullying, harassment, and intimidation on local councils, councillors, clerks and council staff and the effectiveness of local councils. NALC, SLCC, OVW and county associations have responded by setting up a Civility and Respect Working Group to oversee the Civility and Respect Project.