The Parish Council Signs Up to the Civility & Respect Pledge

The Civility and Respect Pledge is an initiative aimed at promoting respectful behaviour within local councils. It has been established by several organizations, including the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), One Voice Wales (OVW), and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC).

Here are the key points about the pledge:

1. Purpose: The Civility and Respect Pledge seeks to address concerns related to bullying, harassment, and intimidation within local councils. These negative behaviours can impact the effectiveness of councils and the well-being of councilors, clerks, and staff.

2. Commitment: By signing the pledge, a council agrees to treat everyone involved—councilors, clerks, employees, members of the public, and representatives of partner organizations—with civility and respect. This commitment extends to their roles and interactions.

3. Key Elements of the Pledge:

   • Training Program: The council commits to implementing a training program for both councilors and staff.
   • Code of Conduct: The council signs up for the Code of Conduct for councilors.
   • Good Governance: The council ensures good governance practices, including staff contracts and a dignity at work policy.
   • Early Intervention: If civility and respect issues arise, the council seeks professional help at an early stage.
   • Anti-Bullying Stance: The council pledges to call out bullying and harassment when it occurs.
   • Continuous Learning: The council learns from best practices and aspires to be a role model through initiatives like the Local Council Award Scheme.

4. Mission Statement: The pledge emphasizes that civility and respect are essential for effective public life and good governance. Intimidation, abuse, and harassment—whether in person or online—are unacceptable. These behaviors hinder councils’ functioning, discourage participation, and erode public trust in local democracy.