The Code of Conduct and Role of the Monitoring Officer

Code of Conduct

The Council has adopted a Code of Conduct which applies to all elected and co-opted members of the Council. The Code sets out rules which must be complied with by all members. The rules are there to ensure Councillors act properly and in the public interest at all times.

Anyone who believes a Councillor has breached the Code of Conduct can complain to the Standards Committee.  Use this link for information about how to complain about a councillor.

PDF file Click here to view the Code of Conduct in full (28KB - 08 January 2008 - PDF Help). The Code is also set out within the Council’s Constitution.

Register of Members' Interests

All councillors are required by law to complete a Register of Interests form to register their financial and other interests that could potentially conflict with their role as local councillor. They are also required to declare any interests at the start of any council meeting where that particular interest conflicts with some or all of the business to be discussed at the meeting. They may not take part in discussion of or vote on those items which they have a predjudicial interest.

Individual Councillor's Register of Interest forms can be view on their Councillor profile page. Alternatively. if you wish to view a paper copy of the Register, please make an appointment with Democratic Services between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday at the Council Offices, Knowle, Sidmouth. Register of Interest forms for Town and Parish Council are held by the Parish Clerk to that Council and also by the District Council.

Monitoring Officer

Under the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, Councils have a duty to appoint a Monitoring Officer to ensure the lawfulness and fairness of Council decision making.

The Monitoring Officer effectively serves as the guardian of the Council's Constitution and the decision-making process. She is responsible for advising the Council on the legality of its decisions and providing guidance to councillors and officers on the Council's Constitution and its powers. She has a responsibility to report breaches and possible breaches of the law or maladministration to the Council.

The Monitoring Officer also works closely with the Council's Standards Committee to assist it, in its role of promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct and probity within the Council.

The Council's Monitoring Officer is:

Denise Lyon
East Devon District Council
Council Offices
Knowle
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 8HL

Tel: 01395 517480
email: dlyon@eastdevon.gov.uk

Page last updated on 4 May 2012