Code of Conduct, Local Protocols

1
Code of Conduct, Local Protocols Members
AllowancesMarch 2007See Members A4 Handbook
for full details
2
Code of Conduct

• All members must sign an undertaking to observe
  the Code
• Applies when the member is
• conducting the business of the Authority
• conducting the business of the office to which
  they have been appointed
• acting as a representative of the Authority (e.g.
  on an outside body)
• in private life

3
Code of Conduct

• A member must
• promote equality by not discriminating unlawfully
  against any person
• treat others with respect
• not do anything which compromises or is likely to
  compromise the impartiality of those who work
  for, or on behalf of, the Police Authority

4
Code of Conduct

• Conflicts of Interest
• Personal
• if reasonably regarded as benefiting the
  wellbeing or financial position of the member,
  relative or a friend
• requires declaration at the meeting
• Prejudicial
• Would reasonably regarded as to be so
  significant as to prejudice the members
  judgement of the public interest.
• requires declaration withdrawal from meeting
• must not seek to influence the decision

5
Code of Conduct

• Register of Financial and Other Interests
• Written entry maintained in register open to the
  public
• Interests include employment, property holdings,
  membership of organisations
• Any changes must be notified within 28 days
• Directors Office invites members to review their
  entry annually
• Model Code of Conduct being revised - draft
  issued in February 2007.

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Local Protocols

• Relationship between members and officers,
  including those of the Constabulary
• mutual respect
• avoid close personal familiarity or excessive
  socialising
• report any suspected breaches of the Code of
  Conduct
• Gifts and Hospitality
• reasonable to accept if intrinsic value is below
  25
• any others must be agreed by Director through
  Chairman of Standards Committee

7
Local Protocols

• Selection and Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair
  of the Police Authority
• nominations included on Agenda
• period of office for Chair of the Authority
  should not exceed two years
• Complaints Protocol - Chief Police Officers
• Must be acknowledged and passed to the Director
  for action
• Members use of equipment and support services
• Code of Practice on internet and email use

8
West Mercia Police Authoritys Race Equality
Scheme

• General Duty
• eliminate unlawful racial discrimination
• promote equality of opportunity
• promote good race relations between people of
  different racial groups
• Specific Duty
• To prepare and publish a Race Equality Scheme -
  separate from the Constabulary
• Reviewed every three years
• To monitor the Authoritys employment procedures
  and practices

9
Directors Office

• Support for Members
• Weekly bulletin
• APA Support
• Courses and Conferences
• IT Support
• Press Releases
• Member Information
• Assistance with complaints
• Police Authority Accommodation at Hindlip
• Messaging Service
• Stationary - headed paper, visitor cards

10
Members Allowances

• Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances
• Chair of the Authority 20,497
• Vice Chair of the Authority 15,347
• Chair of Panels and Committees 11,166
• Chairs of Community Policing Boards 9,039
• Basic Allowance 7,976
• Finance and Resources Panel review annually
• Allowances increase automatically in line with
  the Police Staff Council Rate
• Only one allowance payable to a member
• Includes incidental expenses such as use of own
  telephone etc.

11
Members Allowances

• Travel Allowances
• Use of Car - 40p a mile
• Bicycle 7p a mile
• Travel expenses, including first class train and
  taxis (actual receipted expenditure)

12
Members Allowances

• Subsistence Allowances
• Actual Expenditure
• Reasonableness
• Receipted where possible
• Day subsistence Allowances
• Up to 12 hours 10
• Over 12 hours but less than 24 hours 20
• Overnight (24 hours) 30
• Hotel Accommodation - Actual cost
• Meals on Trains - Actual cost

13
Members Allowances

• Carers/Dependants Allowance
• Actual cost up to a maximum of 8.51 per hour
• Administration
• Members Claim form pad supplied
• Claim by 13th of following month to the
  Directors office
• Claims paid in arrears direct to bank account by
  28th of the month