Civility and Respect Pledge

Background

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Civility and Respect Project was established to address the increasing problem of bullying, harassment and intimidation in local councils. The Herefordshire Council Monitoring Officer has recommended that all Herefordshire parish and town councils consider adopting the Pledge.

Welsh Newton & Llanrothal Group Parish Council adopts this Pledge alongside its Code of Conduct (HC LGA 2020 model, adopted 14 May 2026). The Code sets out the legal minimum standards of conduct; this Pledge sets out the positive commitments the council and its members make to each other, to the Clerk/RFO, and to the community.

Council Commitment

Welsh Newton & Llanrothal Group Parish Council commits to:

• creating and maintaining a culture of civility, respect and inclusivity in all its activities;
• ensuring that meetings and communications are conducted with courtesy and professionalism;
• taking seriously any report of bullying, harassment or intimidation, and dealing with it promptly and appropriately under the Code of Conduct and employment policies;
• supporting the Clerk/RFO in their professional role and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect at all times;
• providing code of conduct training for all councillors, particularly for newly elected or co-opted councillors;
• challenging poor behaviour, regardless of who displays it, including members of the public at council meetings; and
• reviewing adherence to this Pledge annually at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.

Individual Commitment

As a councillor or officer of Welsh Newton & Llanrothal Group Parish Council, I personally commit to:

• treating all people — councillors, the Clerk/RFO, members of the public, contractors and correspondents — with dignity, courtesy and respect;
• not bullying, harassing or intimidating any person in connection with my role;
• upholding the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles) and the general principles of the Code of Conduct at all times;
• supporting the Clerk/RFO in carrying out their professional duties impartially and without interference;
• challenging behaviour that falls below the standards expected, whether by a fellow councillor, a member of the public, or anyone else;
• completing code of conduct training when offered or required; and
• conducting myself on social media and in all communications in a way that does not bring the council or the role of councillor into disrepute.

Signatories

Each of the following confirmed their personal commitment to the principles of this Pledge at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council on 14 May 2026:

Ed Walker — Chair
Lissy Tomlinson — Vice Chair
Sue Parkinson — Councillor
Julie Francis — Councillor
Steve Francis — Councillor
Andrée Mitchell — Clerk/RFO

One Welsh Newton Parish vacancy and one Llanrothal Parish vacancy were unfilled at the time of adoption.

Adopted: 14 May 2026 — Minute reference: item 12.1, Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, 14 May 2026 — Review due: May 2027

The Civility and Respect Project is a joint initiative of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), and One Voice Wales (OVW). Further information: nalc.gov.uk/campaigns/civility-and-respect