Updated Model Code of Conduct and Argyll and Bute IJB Standing Orders
Argyll and Bute Council · 25 May 2022
Back to Argyll and Bute HSCP Integration Joint Board (IJB) — 25 May 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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1 Integration Joint Board Date of Meeting: 25 May 2022 Title of Report: Updated Model Code of Conduct and Argyll & Bute IJB Standing Orders Presented by: Charlotte Craig The Board is asked to: Agree and note the amendment to the standing orders on the basis of guidance from Scottish Government Note the excerpt Code of Conduct will be submitted to Scottish Government on 10 June 2022 for review 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Model Code of Conduct was last reviewed in 2014 and Scottish Government acknowledged that society has seen a variety of developments since then. A consultation was undertaken in October 2020 through to February 2021 to contribute to a revised Model Code. Key areas highlighted were the role of social media, the importance of respectful behaviour and the zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment. The Model Code has also been reviewed to ensure that it is easier to understand and for board members to take personal ownership for their behaviour. The updated model was presented to the IJB in January 2022 for approval incorporated into the Standing Orders as with the previous standing Orders. 2. INTRODUCTION The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 requires Scottish Ministers to issue a Code of Conduct for Councillors (Councillors Code) and a Model Code of Conduct for members of devolved public bodies (Members’ Code) as listed in Schedule 3 of the Act, as amended. The IJB is required to submit a revised copy to Scottish Government by 10 June 2022 for review. 3. DETAIL OF REPORT The revised Model Code of Conduct was presented to the IJB as part of the updated Standing Orders in January 2022 where it was approved. Further
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2 guidance from Scottish Government is to submit the Code of Conduct separately as an excerpt for consideration. The Integration Joint Board is asked to note the following changes which are highlighted in the appendix : Paragraph 3.7 Enquiry has been made to reference Chief Officer rather than Chief Executive this will be noted in the review. Paragraph 3.1.11 will be retained in reference to collective decision making and oversight of corporate responsibility in delivering partners exercised through staff governance reporting. Paragraph 4.15 which now correctly references paragraph 4.20 instead of paragraph 4.19. The Model Code of Conduct is a statutory document which requires to be followed by all Public Bodies covered by the Ethical Standards Framework. As such changes to the document are minimal, require to be reviewed and approved by Scottish Government to ensure compliance. 4. RELEVANT DATA AND INDICATORS Scottish Government Consultation and Analysis 5. CONTRIBUTION TO STRATEGIC PRIORITIES The Model Code of Conduct provides a framework supporting robust governance through member behaviours. 6. GOVERNANCE IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Financial Impact None directly from this report 6.2 Staff Governance None directly from this report 6.3 Clinical Governance None directly from this report 7. PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY Advisory was provided by the IJB Standards officer contributing to the referenced report in January 2022 8. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY IMPLICATIONS The Model Code of Conduct seek to reflect developments in society to ensure that the Board is fully aware of developing legislation that supports and equal and diverse society in Argyll & Bute. 9. GENERAL DATA PROTECTION PRINCIPLES COMPLIANCE Relevant documentation is stored in compliance with GDPR 10. RISK ASSESSMENT
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3 The Model Code informs the conduct of the Board with the ‘Key Principles’ guiding the decision making of the Board. This should impact on considerations when assessing risk to the Argyll & Bute Integration Board Area. 11. PUBLIC & USER INVOLVEMENT & ENGAGEMENT None required for this report 12. CONCLUSIONS Integration Joint Board Members are invited to approve the updated Standing Orders and where not bound by the code as part of another role they are invited to provide their agreement in writing that they are happy to agree to the Model Code. 13. DIRECTIONS Directions required to Council, NHS Board or both. Directions to: tick No Directions required x Argyll & Bute Council NHS Highland Health Board Argyll & Bute Council and NHS Highland Health Board REPORT AUTHOR AND CONTACT Author Name Charlotte Craig Email charlotte.craig@argyll-bute.gov.uk