Policies and Procedures

CORE POLICIES

Standing Orders
Standing orders are the written rules of a local council. They are used to confirm a council’s internal organisational, administrative and procurement procedures and procedural matters for meetings.

Financial Regulations
Ewhurst Parish Council has agreed Financial Regulations which apply to all of its financial activities. The regulations follow the National Association of Local Councils best practice guidance.

Code of Conduct for Members – TBC
Local authorities are required to adopt a code of conduct, setting out rules governing the behaviour of their Members and satisfies the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.

Code of Conduct for Staff
The Code sets out the standards which are expected of employees and provides a framework to promote best practice. All employees are required to observe and uphold the standards of the code.

Complaints Procedure
It remains the position that the Local Government Ombudsman has no jurisdiction over Parish, Town and Community Councils in England and Wales. This policy helps to set out the process where a complaint is made about the administration of the council or about its procedures and cannot be resolved informally.

Co-Option Policy
Ewhurst Parish Council has a policy document on co-option to show the transparent process for co-option on a Councillors when a casual vacancy occurs.

Schedule of Delegation to Proper Officer
Ewhurst Parish Council has delegated authority to the Proper Officer to carry out the core functions of the Council. As well as these core functions in line with existing budgets and policies, additional responsibilities can be resolved by Council.

Personnel and Health & Safety Policies

Health and Safety Policy
The Council accepts it’s responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work 1974 and sets these out and the relevant duties in this policy.

Membership and Officer Relationship Protocol
The purpose of this protocol is to help Councillors and officers continue this relationship, and give guidance on their respective roles and expectations on their relationships with each other.

Bullying and Harassment Policy
Local authorities are required to adopt a code of conduct, setting out rules governing the behaviour of their Members and satisfies the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.

Grievance Policy
This policy aims to encourage and maintain good relationships between the council and its employees by treating grievances seriously and resolving them as quickly as possible.

Equal Opportunities Statement
Ewhurst Parish Council wants to provide equal opportunities to all employees, irrespective of their gender, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, marital status or social class. The council opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

Child Protection and Vulnerable Persons Policy
Ewhurst Parish Council is committed to taking all reasonable precautions to safeguard the welfare of children and vulnerable persons. This policy sets out those aims.

Documentation, Communication and Information Policies

General Privacy Notice
Privacy notices are a legal requirement under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), ensuring that individuals are aware of the way their personal data is processed. Details of the General Privacy Notice can be found here along with a number of GDPR forms.

Document Retention Scheme – TBC
Ewhurst Parish Council needs to retain documentation for audit purposes, staff management, tax liabilities and the eventuality of legal disputes and proceedings. This scheme outlines the retention timetable.

Freedom of Information Policy
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is intended to promote a culture of openness and accountability for public authorities by providing people with rights of access to the information held by them. This policy sets out the Council’s policy to comply with the Act.

Freedom of Information Publication Scheme
Details on where residents can find information or request it.

Media and Communications Policy
This policy is advised by the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity, as issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The code is statutory guidance and therefore councils must have regard to it and follow its provisions.