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Code of conduct
Councillors are subject to a code of conduct governing their behaviour when carrying out official duties or acting in the role of a councillor. This code forms part of our Constitution. Each Councillor and Co-optee (such as the non-elected politically independent members of our Standards Committee) has to sign to confirm that they will abide by the code. We fully endorse the Code of Conduct and the high standards of behaviour it encourages.
The Code of Conduct and the General Principals provide a basis for members to conduct themselves properly when acting in their official capacity. The code covers matters such as the declaration of interests, treating others with respect, bringing the Council into disrepute and bullying. Standards for England is the Independent body which provides advice and guidance to complainants as well councillors and Monitoring Officers. Their guidance leaflet on the Code of Conduct can be found at http://www.standardsforengland.gov.uk/. The General Principles cover issues such as selflessness, honest and integrity, accountability and Leadership. These can be found on page 333 of the Council’s Constitution.
If you have a complaint or a concern about the conduct of one of our district councillors or a parish or town councillor and you think they may have breached this code, you may be able to make a complaint to our Standards Committee. This should be done in writing on a 
complaint form and sent to the Monitoring Officer, Bolsover District Council, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover, Derbyshire S44 6NF.
Your complaint will be considered in accordance with the approved criteria by a Local Assessment Sub Committee of Standards Committee. This Sub Committee consists of 3 members of the Standards Committee. The Chair must be one of the co-opted non elected members of the Standards Committee and, if the complaint relates to a parish or town councillor, one of the parish representatives on Standards Committee must be one of the 3 members of the Sub Committee.
The complaint has to be that the councillor has breached the Code of Conduct. It cannot be about a Council decision or a service delivery issue. Potential complainants should ensure that they have clearly identified the breaches of the Code of Conduct they are alleging against the Councillor. A failure to do so could leave the members of the Local Assessment Sub Committee with the wrong idea as to what the complaint is.
To discuss your concern, please contact Sarah Sternberg, Solicitor to the Council and Monitoring Officer 01246 242414, email sarah.sternberg@bolsover.gov.uk or Alan Turner, the Deputy Monitoring Officer 01246 242418 alan.turner@bolsover.gov.uk Other members of our Legal Services may be able to help in the absence of both the Monitoring Officer and the Deputy Monitoring Officer.
Advice may also be obtained from the Standards for England website. They produce leaflets and guidance information on making complaints, the code of conduct and issues affecting Councillor’s behaviour. They can also offer guidance and advice. You can contact them at enquiries@standardsforengland.gov.uk or alternatively contact them by phone on 0845 078 8181.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 June 2010 14:11
