Officer Code of Conduct - General principles

2.1 Where it is part of their duties to advise, officers must provide any advice impartially. This includes advice to Councillors, colleagues, customers, contractors and the public. 

2.2 If an officer becomes aware of activities which they consider to be illegal, improper, unethical or otherwise inconsistent with this Code, they must report it to their manager (or next appropriate manager) as soon as possible. Find information on whistleblowing

2.3 Responsibility is placed on every employee to disclose to an appropriate manager any potential conflict of interest which may affect them in their job role. 

2.4 Officers must not misuse their position, council information or any council resources or equipment to further their own or others personal interests. 

2.5 It is not enough for officers to simply avoid a breach of this Code. At all times, officers must act in such a way to avoid any occasion for suspicion and any appearance of improper conduct. This includes activities both in and outside of the normal place of work, and includes work related functions - for example, leaving celebrations. It also includes occasions outside of work where an employee makes themselves identifiable as an employee of this council for example, social media activities, wearing a uniform, driving a council vehicle etc.