Make a complaint

Councillors Code of Conduct

Councillors are subject to a Code of Conduct which governs their behaviour when carrying out official duties. This Code forms part of our Constitution.

The Code of Conduct covers matters such as:

• declarations of interest
• treating others with respect
• not bringing the Council into disrepute

How to complain if the Code is breached

If you have concerns about the conduct of a County Councillor and you think they have breached the Code, you are entitled to make a complaint. Please note that complaints against a County Councillor in their role as a District, Parish or Town Councillor should be directed to the relevant District Council.

Complaints should be submitted in writing using the form below:

Code of Conduct complaint form

The complainant should clearly identify the breaches of the Code alleged against the Councillor.

The complaint cannot be about a Council decision or service delivery issue.

We have a detailed guidance document to assist you.

How complaints are handled

Complaints are assessed by the Monitoring Officer who is responsible for deciding how each complaint is dealt with.

The Monitoring Officer will decide, following consultation with an independent person:

• if the complaint is within the jurisdiction of the Code and if there should be an investigation, or
• if other action should be taken to address the complaint or the conduct of the Member, or
• if no further action is to be taken

If a complaint is investigated it may lead to a Hearing and a sanction against the Councillor concerned.

View Councillors’ Register of Interests forms

The register of interests’ form submitted by each Councillor can be found on their individual information pages.

Councillor training on the Code of Conduct

The Monitoring Officer delivers regular training on code of conduct matters to elected Members.