2001 No. 2276 (W.166)
The Conduct of Members (Principles) (Wales) Order 2001
Made
Coming into force
The National Assembly for Wales makes the following Order in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by sections 49(2) and 105(1) of the Local Government Act 20001.
Citation, commencement and application1
1
This Order may be cited as the Conduct of Members (Principles) (Wales) Order 2001 and shall come into force on 28 July 2001.
2
This Order applies to each relevant authority in Wales.
Interpretation2
In this Order—
“co-opted member” (“aelod cyfetholedig”), in relation to a relevant authority, means a person who is not a member of the authority but who—
- a
is a member of any committee or sub-committee of the authority, or
- b
is a member of, and represents the authority on, any joint committee or joint sub-committee of the authority,
and who is entitled to vote on any question which falls to be decided at any meeting of that committee or sub-committee;
- a
“member” (“aelod”) includes a co-opted member; and
“relevant authority” (“awdurdod perthnasol”) means—
Principles governing conduct of members of relevant authorities3
The principles which are to govern the conduct of members of a relevant authority in Wales are set out in the Schedule to this Order.
Signed on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales under section 66(1) of the Government of Wales Act 19984.
SCHEDULETHE PRINCIPLES
Selflessness1
Members must act solely in the public interest. They must never use their position as members to improperly confer advantage on themselves or to improperly confer advantage or disadvantage on others.
Honesty2
Members must declare any private interests relevant to their public duties and take steps to resolve any conflict in a way that protects the public interest.
Integrity and Propriety3
Members must not put themselves in a position where their integrity is called into question by any financial or other obligation to individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their duties. Members must on all occasions avoid the appearance of such behaviour.
Duty to Uphold the Law4
Members must act to uphold the law and act on all occasions in accordance with the trust that the public has placed in them.
Stewardship5
In discharging their duties and responsibilities members must ensure that their authority’s resources are used both lawfully and prudently.
Objectivity in Decision-making6
In carrying out their responsibilities including making appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, members must make decisions on merit. Whilst members must have regard to the professional advice of officers and may properly take account of the views of others, including their political groups, it is their responsibility to decide what view to take and, if appropriate, how to vote on any issue.
Equality and Respect7
Members must carry out their duties and responsibilities with due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, age or religion, and show respect and consideration for others.
Openness8
Members must be as open as possible about all their actions and those of their authority. They must seek to ensure that disclosure of information is restricted only in accordance with the law.
Accountability9
Members are accountable to the electorate and the public generally for their actions and for the way they carry out their responsibilities as a member. They must be prepared to submit themselves to such scrutiny as is appropriate to their responsibilities.
Leadership10
Members must promote and support these principles by leadership and example so as to promote public confidence in their role and in the authority. They must respect the impartiality and integrity of the authority’s statutory officers and its other employees.
(This note does not form part of the Order)