Issue - meetings

The Director of Law and Governance, Jacqui Dennis reported that the Officer Code of Conduct formed part of the 2025-2026 constitution annual review plan and was also included on the Standards Committee work programme for this Municipal year. The code defines the standards of behaviour expected from all staff at Bury Council and its primary objective was to promote transparency, accountability and the prudent use of public resources. To remain effective, the code should be subject to periodic review and any revisions.

Members were asked to consider the current constitution, Part 5 The Codes and Conduct and Section 3, Protocol on Member and Officer relations.

Attached to the agenda pack was an updated draft Officer and Member Protocol.

The Protocol presents clear expectations for how elected Members and Officers work together in the public interest. It promoted mutual respect, impartiality and effective decision making, and provided practical rules for day-to-day interactions, including hybrid and digital working, media handling, safeguarding, equality, and the pre-election (“purdah”) period.

Once the Committee have agreed a final version, the protocol would go to full Council for approval before the constitution is amended and a review for this item would take place every two years.

Members commented that equality was important and that Officers inform Members of developments taking place in their wards as listed under 6.4 of the guidance. There was also a need not to overstep the mark during informal meetings between each other in terms of personal, private and professional relationships.

Independent Member, Mr Stuart Birtwell commented that some items of the model code didn’t apply to the Council and the Director of Law and Governance stated that the model code had been adapted with improvements such as bullying being included as per the ACAS definition.

The Director of Law and Governance also reported she had received comments on this agenda item from the other Independent Member, Mr Craig Ainsworth who was unable to attend this meeting.

Members welcomed the protocol and the review period of every 2 years was deemed appropriate.

The Director of Law and Governance was happy to assist with reporting and escalation matters and details of the Hub and relevant contacts would be added to the list included at 7.3 of the protocol.

It was agreed:-

That the report be noted and Members would review the draft protocol and provide any additional comments to the Director Law & Governance.