We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Society for Local Council Clerks (SLCC) Civility and Respect Pledge.
We first signed the pledge in December 2022 to show our support for the wellbeing of councillors, officers and staff in their roles. Towards the end of 2025 Edenbridge councillors took another look and unanimously agreed to continue this commitment so it stays active, current and understood by all.
Over 800 councils across England and Wales have now signed the pledge. Its goal is simple: to promote respect, improve behaviour, and strengthen governance in local councils.
By signing the pledge, the Council commits to:
- Treat all councillors, clerk and all employees, members of the public, representatives of partner
organisations and volunteers with civility and respect in their role. - Put in place a training programme for councillors and staff.
- Sign up to Code of Conduct for councillors.
- Have in place good governance arrangements including staff contracts and Dignity at Work Policy.
- Commit to seek professional help at early stages should civility and respect issues arise.
- Commit to calling out bullying and harassment if and when it happens.
- Continue to learn from best practice in the sector and aspire to being a role model / champion
- council e.g., via Local Council Award Scheme.
- Support the continued lobbying for the change in legislation to support the Civility and Respect
- Pledge including sanctions for elected members where appropriate.