Code of Conduct

Organisational values

As a Member of Colchester 2020 Local Strategic Partnership (Colchester 2020) I promise to abide by the fundamental values that underpin all the activity of this organisation.

These are:

Accountability

Everything Colchester2020 does will be able to stand the test of scrutiny by the public, the media, charity regulators, members, stakeholders, funders, Parliament and the courts.

Integrity and honesty

These will be the hallmarks of all conduct when dealing with colleagues within Colchester2020 and equally when dealing with individuals and institutions outside it.

Transparency

Colchester2020  strives to maintain an atmosphere of openness throughout the organisation to promote confidence of the public, stakeholders, staff, charity regulators and Parliament.
Additionally, I agree to the following points:

Law, mission, policies

• I will not break the law in any aspect of my role as a Member of Colchester2020.
• I will support the sustainable community strategy of Colchester2020 and consider myself its guardian.
• I will abide by Colchester2020’s policies.

Conflicts of interest

• I will always strive to act in the best interests of Colchester2020.
• I will declare any conflict of interest, or any circumstance that might be viewed by others as a conflict of interest, as soon as it arises.
• I will submit to the judgment of Colchester2020 and do as it requires regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Person to person

• I will not break the law, or act in disregard of Colchester2020’s policies in my relationships with fellow Members, staff, volunteers, service recipients, contractors or anyone I come into contact with in my role as a Member.
• I will strive to establish respectful, collegial and courteous relationships with all I come into contact with in my role as a Member.

Protecting the organisation's reputation

• In normal circumstances I will gain prior approval of the Chairman before speaking to the media or in a public forum.
• When prior approval has not been obtained, I will inform the Chairman at once when I have spoken as a Member of Colchester2020 to the media or in a public forum.
• When I am speaking as a Member of Colchester2020,  my comments will reflect current policy even when these do not agree with my personal views.
• When speaking as a private citizen I will strive to uphold the reputation of Colchester2020.
• I will respect organisational, 2020 and individual confidentiality.
• I will take an active interest in Colchester2020's public image, noting news articles, books, television programmes and the like about Colchester2020, about similar organisations or about important issues for Colchester2020.

Personal gain

• I will not personally gain materially or financially from my role as a Member, nor will I permit others to do so as a result of my actions or negligence.
• I will document expenses and seek reimbursement according to procedure.
• I will not accept substantial gifts or hospitality (worth £100 upwards) without prior consent of the Chairman.
• I will use organisational resources responsibly, when authorised, in accordance with procedure.

In the boardroom

• I will strive to embody the principles of leadership in all my actions and live up to the trust placed in me by Colchester2020 .
• I will abide by board governance procedures and practices.
• I will strive to attend all board meetings, giving apologies ahead of time to the Chairman if unable to attend.
• I will study the agenda and other information sent me in good time prior to the meeting and be prepared to debate and vote on agenda items during the meeting.
• I will honour the authority of the Chairman and respect his or her role as meeting leader.
• I will engage in debate and voting in meetings according to procedure, maintaining a respectful attitude toward the opinions of others while making my voice heard.
• I will accept a majority Board vote on an issue as decisive and final.
• I will maintain confidentiality about what goes on in the boardroom unless authorised by the Chairman or board to speak of it.

Enhancing governance

• I will participate in induction, training and development activities for Members.
• I will continually seek ways to improve Board governance practice.
• I will strive to identify good candidates for Membership and appoint new Members on the basis of merit or organisational position.
• I will support the Chairman in his/her efforts to improve his/her leadership skills.
• I will support my fellow Board members.

Leaving the Board

• I understand that substantial breach of any part of this code may result in my removal from being a Member of Colchester 2020.
• Should I resign from Colchester2020 I will inform the Chairman in advance in writing, stating my reasons for resigning. Additionally, I will participate in an exit interview.