Complaints about conduct of Councillors - Members' code of conduct

The Council has a Code of Conduct  (55.69 KB) that sets out the rules governing the behaviour of its Members. All elected Councillors, co-opted and independent members of the Council with voting rights (collectively called “Members”) , are covered by this Code and are expected to follow it. A copy of the revised Code of Conduct which has been adopted by the Council is available via this link.  (55.69 KB)

The Code of Conduct covers areas of individual behaviour such as Members abusing their position or misusing the Council’s resources. In addition, there are rules governing disclosure of interests and withdrawal from meetings where Members have relevant interests. Members are also required to record their financial and other interests.

The Council has appointed a Standards and Ethics Committee to promote and maintain a high standard of conduct by Members. It is made up of elected Councillors and 3 independent people (who are neither Councillors nor employees within local government) 2 of whom are appointed Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee.

If you feel that a Member has breached the County Council’s Code of Conduct you will need to refer your complaint in writing to Simon Mallinson, Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer, Worcestershire County Council, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP, 01905 766670 or Smallinson@worcestershire.gov.uk.

Your complaint must relate to the Code of Conduct and the behaviour of Worcestershire County Council Members. It must state the nature of the alleged breach and provide sufficient information to allow the sub-committee to decide whether the complaint should be formally investigated as a potential breach of the Code. Please use the standard complaint form available.  (213.50 KB)

NB Complaints about Council Staff, matters not covered by the Code of Conduct, the way the Council has or has not done something, and decisions of the Council and services it provides cannot be dealt with under this process.

Complaints that a Member has breached the Code of Conduct are assessed by a sub-committee of the Standards and Ethics Committee, chaired by an independent person. If this sub-committee decides not to investigate a complaint, the complainant has a right of appeal to a review sub-committee. Should there be an investigation, a further sub-committee will decide whether there has been a breach of the Code, and if so what action should follow. Select this link for more details of the procedure.  (159.00 KB) The sub-committees will decide whether a complaint should be referred for investigation, having regard to assessment criteria available here  (22.00 KB).

If you wish to discuss your complaint, please contact Simon Mallinson as set out above. The National Standards Board has also issued helpful guidance.