In support of the National Association for Local Councils (NALC) and Society for Local Council Clerks‘ work to ensure the wellbeing of all councillors, officers and staff in their duties, Edenbridge Town Council is pleased to have recently signed up to its Civility & Respect Pledge.
Over 800 councils have now signed the pledge, which aims to improve behaviour and governance within the sector, and promote respect for all those carrying out public duties.
Among other actions, the Council has pledged 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.
Find out more about what the Civility & Respect Pledge means.
Chairman of Edenbridge Town Council, Cllr Bob Todd, said: “By pledging to do our bit at Edenbridge Town Council, we hope we can help address the growing concerns in our sector around bullying and harassment, and ensure that we can continue to run as an effective council for the whole of our community and democracy at large.”
“Civility and respect should be at the heart of public life, and good governance is fundamental to ensuring an effective and well-functioning democracy at all levels,” says NALC.
“The intimidation, abuse, bullying and harassment of councillors, clerks and council staff, in person or online, is unacceptable, whether by councillors, clerks, council staff, or public members.
“This can prevent councils from functioning effectively, councillors from representing local people, discourage people from getting involved (including standing for election), and undermine public confidence and trust in local democracy.”
