URL: https://democracy.teignbridge.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=796

Decision Maker: Full Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   The report and recommendations 1-6 and 8 be received and accepted as follows:   1.       All members treat each other, Council staff and the public with politeness and courtesy in behaviour, speech and in the written word, whilst respecting the right of members to express, debate and challenge political views freely within the law.   2.       All members pledge personally to:- ·       listen and respect differing views Actively listen to others and acknowledge differing political, professional or personal perspectives. Express disagreement constructively and without dismissiveness.   ·       respect the rights of all councillors to carry out their roles and the roles of officers Uphold the legitimate roles, responsibilities and democratic mandates of all councillors, irrespective of political affiliation or position, and refrain from any conduct that undermines another councillor’s ability to discharge their duties. This includes respecting the authority of the chair, engaging appropriately with officers in line with respective roles, and supporting a culture where poor behaviour is constructively and appropriately challenged.   ·       hold themselves and fellow councillors to account Take responsibility for own conduct and decisions and raise concerns about behaviour or actions that fall below agreed standards in an appropriate, proportionate and professional manner.   ·       be open Communicate honestly and transparently, sharing information where appropriate and providing clear reasons for decisions, constraints or changes.   ·       be civil Treat others with courtesy, respect and professionalism at all times, including during disagreement or challenge, and avoid language or behaviour.   3.   The Monitoring Officer report to the Governance Committee on the adoption by the Council of the Local Government Association’s Debate Not Hate campaign and in particular the Ending Abuse in Public Life Council Self-Assessment toolkit as a means of creating a culture of safety and respect for members within and without the Council Chamber.     Rationale for the above resolutions: for councillors collectively and individually to commit to high standards of conduct and for the Council as an organisation to take steps to support and protect members from abusive behaviour.   4.    The Monitoring Officer and Head of Paid Service report jointly to the   Governance Committee on a revised member – officer protocol to include clear guidance on:-   ·       Members’ rights to accessing Council information; ·   Member visits to officer working areas   Rationale: to provide clarity on expected standards of conduct by councillors towards staff, staff conduct towards councillors and the rights of councillors to obtain and scrutinise Council information.   5.    The Council identify with the Local Government Association what support it might offer to strengthen the capacity of the Executive.   6. The Council provide further training and assistance to strengthen the capacity and capability of the Overview and Scrutiny process.   Rationale for the above 2 resolutions: to assist the Council in achieving strong governance through clear Executive leadership which is subject to effective scrutiny.   8.  There be a comprehensive training programme for all members to be reviewed annually and rolled out for all new members. This would include training on the code of conduct, the different role of members and officers, effective decision-making, chairing skills and understanding the constitution.   Rationale: to cement recognition of good governance in the Council where debate and decision making is “hard on the issue, soft on the person”.

Date of Decision: May 19, 2026