Model Councillor-Officer Protocol

9 November 2022

A new resource from the Civility and Respect Project – The purpose of this Protocol is to guide councillors and officers of the council in their relations with one another. The Protocol’s intention is to build and maintain good working relationships between councillors and officers as they work together. Employees who are required to give advice to councillors are referred to as “officers” throughout.

A strong, constructive, and trusting relationship between councillors and officers is essential to the effective and efficient working of the council.

This Protocol also seeks to reflect the principles underlying the Code of Conduct which applies to councillors and the employment terms and conditions of officers. The shared objective is to enhance and maintain the integrity (real and perceived) of local government.

This Protocol covers:

  • The respective roles and responsibilities of the councillors and the officer;
  • Relationships between councillors and officers;
  • Where/who a councillor or an officer should go to if they have concerns;
  • Who is responsible for making decisions.

Click here to download the protocol

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