This is to certify that Sandgate Parish Council has signed up to the Civility & Respect Pledge. The Council agreed to sign the pledge at the Full Council meeting of 21st March 2023.
Sandgate Parish Council believes now is the time to put Civility and Respect at the Top of the Agenda and start a culture change for the local council sector.
Certificate Number 1224
Sandgate Parish Council will:
● Treat all councillors, clerk and all employees, members of the public, representatives of partner organisations and volunteers with civility and respect in their role.
● Put in place a training programme for councillors and staff.
● Sign up to Code of Conduct for councillors.
● Have in place good governance arrangements in place including, staff contracts, and Dignity at Work Policy.
● Commit to seek professional help at early stages should civility and respect issues arise.
● Commit to calling out bullying and harassment when if and when it happens.
● Continue to learn from best practice in the sector and aspire to being a role model / champion council e.g., via Local Council Award Scheme.
● Support the continued lobbying for the change in legislation to support the Civility and Respect Pledge including sanctions for elected members where appropriate.
civilityCivility and respect should be at the heart of public life. Good governance is fundamental to ensuring an effective and well-functioning democracy.
There are growing concerns about the impact bullying, harassment, and intimidation are having on Parish and Town councils, councillors, clerks and council staff and the resulting effectiveness of local councils.
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC), One Voice Wales, the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) and county associations have responded to this by setting up a Civility and Respect Working Group to oversee the Civility and Respect Project.