CODE OF CONDUCT
Confidence in local democracy and decision making is a cornerstone of our way of life. It can only be achieved when elected and co-opted members of local councils are seen to live up to the high standards the public has a right to expect from them.
This Council adopted a Code of Conduct for Councillors in February 2002 which was revised in June 2007. This ‘Code of Conduct’ sets out the standards of behaviour and conduct that Councillors must observe when they are acting in their capacity as a Councillor. Follow the link and the code can be found at Part 5A of the Constitution.
Under the rules, each Councillor has to provide a record of his or her interests in a public register. If you wish to see the register you can view on the website, telephone (01403) 215465 to make arrangements or email Democraticservicesstaff@horsham.gov.uk
Making a Complaint about a Councillor
From 8th May 2008 the responsibility for considering if a District or parish Councillor may have breached the District or Parish Councils' Codes of Members' became that of Horsham District Council's Standards Committee.
If you believe that a Councillor has broken their authority's Code of Conduct, you can send your complaint in writing using the complaint form below to: The Monitoring Officer, Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1RL
Enquiries: 01403 215478
Fax: 01403 215487
email:standards@horsham.gov.uk
Please read the 'Guidance for Potential Complainants' booklet before you complete the form. The booklet explains how to make a complaint and what happens if you make a complaint.
Complaints are then assessed by Horsham District Council's Local Assessment Sub Committee.
However, please note that the Local Assessment Sub Committee can only deal with complaints about the behaviour of a member and cannot deal with complaints which are not covered by the Codes of Members' Conduct, are about the authority as a whole or the people employed by it.
Horsham District Council's Code of Conduct can be viewed from the link on this page and inspected at the Council offices.
Individual Parish Council Codes of Members' Conduct are available from the Clerk of each parish council.
Guidance for potential complainants
Guidance for potential complainants (133kb)
The guide explains how to make a complaint about an elected or co-opted Member of Horsham District Council or a Member of the 32 parish councils and what happens if you make a complaint.
Complaint Form - Code of Members' Conduct
Complaint Form - Code of Members' Conduct (85kb)
Please read the 'Guidance for Potential Complainants' before completing this form. You can use this form to make a complaint about a breach of the relevant council's Code of Members Conduct.
Equal Opportunities Form
Equal Opportunities Form (410kb)
Please complete and return this monitoring form with any complaint form.
Guidance for Members
Guidance for Members (180kb)
This guide has been prepared to explain the process to members who are the subject of a complaint.