northlincs.gov.uk

25      (25)  CODE OF PRACTICE FOR EMPLOYEES RELATING TO INTERESTS AND GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY – The Director of Corporate and Community Services submitted a report seeking approval of updates to the code of practice for employees in relation to interests and gifts and hospitality.  The updated version of the code included specific references to legacies and bequests and the Bribery Act 2010.

The report outlined that Employees were required by the Local Government Act 1972 to make declarations of interest, especially pecuniary interests relating to any contracts or proposed contracts entered into by the council. There were no statutory requirements in relation to gifts and hospitality.  The Audit Commission previously suggested that local councils establish procedures specifically for the control of gifts and hospitality to officers.  In 1994 the Local Government Management Board and the Local Authorities Association produced a voluntary Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees. This included requirements in relation to interests and gifts and hospitality.

The proposed updated version, attached as appendix 1 to the report, included organisational changes, and clarified how employees’ should respond to legacies and bequests and made specific reference to the requirements of the Bribery Act 2010.

Resolved – (a) That the updated code attached as Appendix 1 to the report be approved
and adopted; (b) that employees be informed of the updated code as outlined in paragraph 2.5 of the report, and (c) that the updated code be made available to school governing bodies for their consideration and possible adoption.