Code

Typographical errors, grammar, style, renumbering

To improve the readability and presentation of the Code and ensure consistency with the Model Code of Conduct.

5.6

Requiring Council staff to disclose non-pecuniary conflicts of interest to their manager in writing in an approved format.

Disclosures are currently made in a range of formats. Using an approved format will ensure consistency across Council.

5.6

Requiring any disclosures made by Council staff to a Manager to be forwarded to Council’s Governance team for recording.

To provide guidance and clarification on how disclosures should be managed and to assist with recording disclosures.

5.24

Requiring Council staff to apply for annual approval for secondary employment.

Administratively staff apply annually as a matter of convention, however, this is not a requirement of the Code. An annual application requirement will ensure that any outside employment does not conflict with an employee’s responsibilities or create work, health and safety issues. The requirement to apply annually will enable both the employee and General Manager to consider any changed circumstances and impacts on employment.

5.24

Requiring Council staff to apply for annual approval for secondary employment in an approved format.

This ensures consistency in applying and managing secondary employment across all areas of Council.

6.3

Prohibiting Council staff from accepting gifts, benefits or hospitality from Council suppliers, including those using Council facilities.

To make it explicit in the Code that accepting gifts, benefits or hospitality from suppliers and those using Council facilities is not accepted due to the perception that the supplier may receive favourable treatment in the future.

6.7

Empowering the General Manager to determine how to dispose of surrendered gifts.

The Code does not specify how surrendered gifts will be disposed of. This change will make it clear that the General Manager is responsible for disposing of surrendered gifts.

6.7

Permitting Council to nominate a charity to receive surrendered gifts and benefits.

This change will enable charities in the Inner West local government area to make use of the surrendered gifts and benefits for their charitable causes. Officers will request Council to nominate a charity to which any surrendered gifts may be provided.

8.11

Imposing a clear desk requirement on Council staff to protect of Council’s information.

Council’s ICT Acceptable Use Protocol includes a clear desk requirement, however, inclusion in the Code will make this an enforceable requirement. This provides a mechanism to ensure integrity and security of sensitive and confidential information.

9.9

Clarifying that Code of Conduct complaints must be raised with 3 months.

The Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct specify that complaints under the Code must be made within 3 months of the occurrence of the conduct that forms the basis of the complaint, or the complainant becoming aware of the conduct. However, the Code does not clarify this timeframe.

As people may not be as familiar with the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct, this inclusion is intended to increase awareness.