Fiona is a Solicitor and the Professional and Practice Development Manager at NPLAW. Before joining NPLAW, she was appointed as Independent Person for a district council under the Localism Act, a role which saw complaints against District and Parish Councillors referred to her for her views to be taken into consideration when determining whether they had breached their Council’s Code of Conduct. At Scribefest 2022, Fiona spoke about bullying - a topic that affects both clerks and councillors and is seen far too often. Fiona also touched on the Code of Conduct and what to do when you come across a breach of this.

1. Bullying, the Law and
the Model Code of Conduct
Complaints:
•83% disrespectful
behaviour
•63% bullying
•31% disruptive behaviour

2. Bullying, the Law and
the Model Code of Conduct
•Fiona Anthony
•Solicitor, nplaw

5. When does the Code apply?

6. Code applies to all types of
communication

7. General principles of the Code
I act
lawfully
I treat all persons
fairly and with
respect
I ensure that public
resources are used
prudently in accordance
with my local authority’s
requirements and in the
public interest
I impartially exercise
my responsibilities in
the interests of the
local community
I lead by
example and
act in a way
that secures
public
confidence in
the role of
councillor
I exercise
reasonable care
and diligence
I avoid
conflicts of
interest
I do not
improperly seek
to confer an
advantage, or
disadvantage,
on any person
I act with integrity and
honesty

8. Respect
Illustration by Ashley Evans

9. Bullying

11. Harassment

13. Discrimination

14. Disrepute

15. Complying with the Code
I cooperate with any Code of
Conduct investigation and/or
determination
I do not
intimidate or
attempt to
intimidate any
person who is
likely to be
involved with the
administration of
any investigation
or proceedings
I comply with any
sanction imposed
on me following a
finding that I have
breached the
Code of Conduct

16. Alleged Breaches of the Code

17. Investigations

18. Fair Procedure

19. Sanctions

20. Civility and Respect Project