Code of Practice for Council Members

25 Code of Practice for Council Members 17 4. Conduct of Council Business 4.1. Proper Conduct of Public Business The Council is entrusted with public funds and therefore shall commit to the highest standards of corporate governance at all times, and to ensure that it is discharging its duties with due regard for the proper conduct of public business. Council members, in conducting themselves, should make reference to the seven principles of public life (also known as “Nolan principles”), which are set out in the first report of the UK Committee on Standards in Public Life established in May 1995 and widely followed by university governing bodies. The principles are as follows:-  Selflessness Council members should act solely in terms of the public interests.  Integrity Council members must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organizations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.  Objectivity Council members must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.  Accountability Council members are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.  Openness Council members should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.  Honesty Council members have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interests.  Leadership Council members should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.