Behaving with integrity, demonstrating strong commitment to ethical values and respecting the rule of law
Supporting principles
Behaving with integrity
Demonstrating strong commitment to ethical values
Respecting the rule of law
Cheshire West and Chester will:
Maintain shared values (Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money, Empowerment- THRIVE) both for the Council and its officers.
Use shared values as a guide for decision making and as a basis for developing positive and trusting relationships within the council. This is demonstrated by applying the constitution.
Maintain and promote formal codes of conduct defining standards of personal and professional behaviour for Members and officers.
Maintain and support the Audit and Governance Committee to raise awareness and take the lead in ensuring high standards of conduct are embedded in the council’s culture.
Ensure that Members and staff are not influenced by prejudice, bias or conflicts in dealing with different stakeholders by ensuring there are appropriate processes in place to ensure these arrangements are workable. This includes arrangements for declaration of interests and anti-corruption policies.
Ensure that there are appropriate systems in place for financial administration and control and to protect the Council’s resources and assets. Ensure there are appropriate monitoring systems in place to ensure their effectiveness.
Ensure that appropriate legal and financial advice is sought and provided appropriately well in advance of decision making. Ensure the advice is recorded in order to recognise the limits of lawful activity but also to ensure powers are utilised to full effect for the benefit of the community we serve.
Observe all legislative requirements placed on the council. In particular to observe the key principles of public law – rationality, legality, and natural justice in all decision making.
Maintain effective systems to protect the rights of staff by ensuring the policies for ‘whistleblowing are accessible to staff and those dealing with the Council. Arrangements are in place for the support of whistle-blowers.
Publish an annual governance statement to review the effectiveness of the Council’s governance framework.
This will be evidenced by:
The Constitution which includes:
Finance and Contract Procedure Rules
Risk Management and control of resources
External arrangements and collaborative working arrangements
Codes of conduct for Members and Employees
Member/Officer Relations Protocol
Member Planning Protocol Scheme of delegation to Officers and Members.
Performance management framework and induction process using the THRIVE framework
Information Security Policy
Anti-bribery Policy and Framework
Anti – fraud and Corruption Strategy
Fraud Prosecution and Sanctions Policy
Anti-money Laundering Policy
Code of financial practice
Dignity at Work Policy
ICT Acceptable Use Policy
Council Plan 2020-24, Recovery and Renewal Plan and Performance Management Framework
Whistleblowing Policy
Annual Governance Statement
Annual appraisal and competency framework for staff
Complaints policy
Finance, risk and legal comments are on all committee reports. Item on Member/Officer Protocol and decision making included in induction training for all new staff to ensure awareness.
Member induction covers Code of Conduct for Members and Member/Officer protocol.
