Decision details

The Director of Resources & Deputy Chief Executive submitted and report for Committee to approve a new Business Interest and Personal Interest Policy and an update to the Code of Conduct.

The report explained that the Council’s Code of Conduct requested that Private Work (Business Interest) should not be undertaken if it could conflict or have a detrimental effect on the Council’s business, whereas Personal interests (non-financial) were to be declared in writing to the Chief Executive.

The report recommended a consistent approach for the approval of financial and non-financial interests, to include processes for new employees, existing members of staff, and staff moving from one role to another.

The new policy and required amendments to the Code of Conduct were included in the report.

It was explained at the meeting that going forward the Register of Interests would provide improved overview of declared interests, and that staff are encouraged to declare any interests as they arise or circumstances change, but going forward staff would be requested to review this annually.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

1.     Agree that all Business Interest requests are submitted to CMT for approval.

2.     Agree that new employees and also internal employees when their job changes are advised about requesting approval for business and personal interests prior to them taking up their new employment.

3.     Approve the Council Business and Personal Interest Policy as noted in the report.

4.     Approve the Update to the Code of Conduct in respect of the Council Business and Personal Interest policy as noted in the report.