Strengthening Standards from Day One.
Why Sharing the Code of Conduct and Using a Councillor Statement of Assurance Matters
As councils welcome newly elected and co‑opted councillors, the early days of a councillor’s term are critical in setting expectations, building confidence, and reinforcing high standards of public service. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by ensuring that new councillors are provided with the council’s adopted Code of Conduct and are asked to sign a Councillor Statement of Assurance at the same time as their Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
This small step delivers significant benefits for councillors, councils, and the communities they serve.
Councillor Statement of Assurance
Making Expectations Clear from the Outset
The Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of councillors whenever they are acting in their role. While the Code applies automatically once a councillor takes office, sharing it formally at the start of a councillor’s term ensures there is no ambiguity about responsibilities, values, or expected behaviour.
By asking councillors to sign a Councillor Statement of Assurance, councils reinforce the importance of these standards and confirm that councillors have read, understood, and committed to upholding them. This helps to establish a shared understanding of integrity, respect, honesty, and accountability from day one.
Supporting New and Co‑opted Councillors
For many councillors—particularly those who are newly elected or co‑opted—local government can feel complex and unfamiliar. Providing the Code of Conduct alongside a clear, straightforward Statement of Assurance helps orient councillors early and gives reassurance about what is expected of them.
This approach complements induction and training programmes by ensuring that standards, values, and behaviours are not seen as abstract concepts, but as a core part of the councillor role from the very beginning.
Embedding a Positive Council Culture
When all councillors sign a Statement of Assurance, it sends a strong message about the culture the council wishes to promote. It demonstrates a collective commitment to respectful behaviour, constructive debate, and ethical decision‑making—even where strong disagreements exist.
Embedding these expectations early can reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings, inappropriate conduct, or complaints arising later. Where issues do occur, councils can also demonstrate that clear expectations were set and acknowledged at the point of taking office.
Promoting Openness and Public Confidence
Public trust in local democracy is strengthened when councils can clearly show how they promote and uphold high standards. Using a Councillor Statement of Assurance provides visible evidence that councillors have formally committed to the Code of Conduct and the principles of public life.
Sharing this practice publicly—through council websites or induction materials—helps reassure residents that their representatives understand their responsibilities and take them seriously.
Supporting Training and Continuous Development
Including a commitment to attend required training within the Statement of Assurance reinforces the importance of learning and development as part of the councillor role. This supports councils in maintaining a well‑informed membership and ensures councillors are better equipped to carry out their duties lawfully and effectively.
It also helps normalise training as a positive and expected part of being a councillor, rather than an optional extra.
A Simple Step with Lasting Impact
Asking councillors to sign a Councillor Statement of Assurance at the same time as they complete their Declaration of Acceptance of Office is straightforward to implement, but its impact can be long‑lasting. It strengthens governance, promotes consistent standards, and supports councillors to succeed in their role.
Most importantly, it helps ensure that councils start each new term with clarity, shared values, and a strong foundation of trust—benefitting councillors, councils, and the communities they serve.
