Personal conduct
As an employee and representative of the Council, you are expected to conduct yourself to the highest standards and act in line with 7 principles of public life.
You must:
- carry out the full requirements of your role, as detailed in your contract of employment (statement of particulars), job description and Council policies and procedures.
- attend work in accordance with the terms of your contract of employment (statement of particulars).
- act in an appropriate manner in any situation where you can be readily identified as a Council employee, whether at work or otherwise.
- wear, and maintain in a reasonable condition, corporate uniform, clothing and personal protective equipment, if provided to you.
- report any shortfalls in the provision of Council services to your manager, where you feel that it is appropriate.
- report any concerns / allegations / suspicions of fraud, corruption, bribery, theft or other irregularity, as a matter of urgency in accordance with the Whistleblowing Policy and procedure.
- keep relationships with Councillors, employees, contractors or partners, potential contractors or service users, on a professional basis.
- be polite, courteous and helpful when dealing with all members of the local community, customers, Councillors and fellow employees.
- treat all groups and individuals with respect, acknowledge their opinions and beliefs and behave in an appropriate manner.
- treat others in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with the Council’s Equality and Diversity Statement and the wider requirements of the law.
- follow the Council’s Customer Services Charter when dealing with service users.
- keep all service users’ money, personal records, information and correspondence secure in accordance with the Council’s policies and procedures, and the Data Protection Act.
- if you have any concerns about the standard of service being provided to service user/s or behaviour towards other employees use the appropriate HBC policies and procedures.
You must not:
- criticise or engage in any conduct or behaviour that is harmful to the reputation of the Council, its services or interests, or conduct which brings the Council into disrepute, even when outside of work irrespective of media used. If you have a genuine concern or grievance, you must use the appropriate procedures within the Council.
- be under the influence of alcohol or unprescribed drugs so as to adversely affect your work.
- misuse your official position or seek to use information obtained in the course of your work, for personal interests or the interests of others.
- discriminate unfairly in the provision of facilities, services, employment practices or any other area of council duties in line with equality legislation.
- form inappropriate close personal relationships with service users, their relatives or carers.
- give any service information to anyone except those authorised to receive it.