Improving civility and respect.
Growing concerns about bullying, harassment, and intimidation in parish and town councils prompted leading sector organisations to unite to form a Civility and Respect Working Group.
NALC are part of the Civility and Respect Working Group along with county associations, One Voice Wales, and the Society of Local Council Clerks.
The group prioritises promoting civility and respect in public life, emphasising the critical role of good governance in ensuring a well-functioning democracy across all levels.
The group recognises the detrimental effects of intimidation, abuse, bullying, and harassment on council operations, councillor representation, public engagement, and trust in local democracy.
The group is dedicated to fostering an environment of civility and respect. It aims to encourage positive debate, support the well-being of councillors, clerks, and council staff, and promote good governance practices within parish and town councils.
To achieve these goals, the group will focus on delivering tangible actions, interventions and resources in four main areas:
- Implementing processes to intervene and provide support to struggling councils
- Lobbying to strengthen the standards regime and encourage greater public involvement
- Offer training opportunities
- Providing councils with tools to support good governance
By signing the Pledge, your council is agreeing 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