3. Promoting values for the authority and demonstrating the values of good governance through upholding high standards of conduct and behaviour

Supporting principle: ensuring authority members and officers exercise leadership by behaving in ways that exemplify high standards of conduct and effective governance

The Council is required to: ensure that the Authority’s leadership sets a tone for the organisation by creating a climate of openness, support and respect

We will do this through the following:

Whistleblowing Code
Appraisal process
Codes of Conduct
Leadership programme
Governance Board

The Council is required to: ensure that standards of conduct and personal behaviour expected of members and staff, or work between members and staff and between the authority, its partners and the community are defined and communicated through codes of conduct and protocols

We will do this through the following:

Codes of Conduct
Performance management system
Appraisal process
Customer feedback system
Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy
Member / Officer protocol
Core values and priorities
Improvement Plan

The Council is required to: put in place arrangements to ensure that members and employees of the authority are not influenced by prejudice, bias or conflicts of interest in dealing with different stakeholders and put in place appropriate processes to ensure that they continue to operate in practice

We will do this through the following:

Standing Orders
Codes of Conduct
Financial regulations
Gifts and hospitality register
Declaration of interest protocols

Supporting principle: ensuring that organisational values are put into practice and are effective

The Council is required to: develop and maintain shared values including leadership values for both the organisation and staff reflecting public expectations, and communicate these with members, staff, the community and partners

We will do this through the following:

Codes of Conduct
Investors in People Status
Charter Mark Standard for Customer Service Excellence
Improvement Plan
Staff consultations
Staff and member development briefings
Staff conference
Appraisal process
Core values and priorities

The Council is required to: put in place arrangements to ensure that systems and processes are designed in conformity with appropriate ethical standards, and monitor their continuing effectiveness in practice

We will do this through the following:

Codes of Conduct
Report template
Professional body guidance documents (eg CIPFA)
Policy Board

The Council is required to: develop and maintain an effective Standards Committee

We will do this through the following:

Committee terms of reference
Independent chair of Standards
Regular reporting to the Council

The Council is required to: use the organisation’s shared values to act as a guide for decision making and as a basis for developing positive and trusting relationships within the authority

We will do this through the following:

Internal audit check of compliance and approved procedures and policies
Approved procedures and policies
Thanet Compact
Kent Compact
Partnership Framework

The Council is required to: in pursuing the vision of a partnership, agree a set of values against which decision making and actions can be judged. Such values must be demonstrated by partners’ behaviour both individually and collectively

We will do this through the following: