A copy of the signed Code of Conduct declaration is available here. The code is outlined below.
Oath
Upon taking office as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire I have taken an oath stating:
I Nicolle Ndiweni do hereby declare that I accept the office of Police and Crime Commissioner for the Derbyshire police area.
In making this declaration, I solemnly and sincerely promise that during my term of office:
- I will serve all the people of the Derbyshire police area in the office of Police and Crime Commissioner
- I will act with integrity and diligence in my role and, to the best of my ability, will execute the duties of my office to ensure that the police are able to cut crime and protect the public
- I will give a voice to the public, especially victims of crime, and work with other services to ensure the safety of the community and effective criminal justice
- I will take all steps within my power to ensure transparency of my decisions, so that I may be properly held to account by the public and
- I will not interfere with the operational independence of police officers
1. Introduction
1.1 This Code applies to me in the office of Police and Crime Commissioner when acting or representing to act in that role.
1.2 This code does not apply when I am acting in a purely private capacity.
1.3 I have adopted this code and have agreed to abide by its provisions.
1.4 The Policing Protocol[1] provides that all parties will abide by the seven principles set out in Standards in Public Life: First Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life known as ―the Nolan Principles.
1.5 I agree to abide by the “Nolan Principles” which are set out below:
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE
SELFLESSNESS
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
INTEGRITY
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
OBJECTIVITY
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
OPENNESS
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
HONESTY
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
LEADERSHIP
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
2. General Obligations
I agree:-
2.1 (a) to treat others with dignity and respect,
(b) not to use bullying behaviour or harass any person,
(c) not to conduct myself in a manner which:-
(i) is contrary to the policing protocol and/or (ii) could reasonably be regarded as bringing my office into disrepute.
3. Use of resources
I agree
3.1 not to use the resources of the elected local policing body for my personal benefit or for the benefit of myself, my friends, or any other person in relation to any business interest of mine.
3.2 not to use the resources of the elected local policing body improperly for political purposes (including party political purposes).
3.3 to claim expenses and allowances only in accordance with the published expenses and allowances scheme of the elected local policing body.
4. Register of Disclosable Interests – (including those arising in relation to gifts and hospitality and those of a pecuniary nature)
I agree:-
4.1 to act solely in the public interest and in exercising the functions of my office not act to gain financial or other benefits for myself, my family, my friends, or any person in relation to any business of mine or use or attempt to use my office to confer or secure for any person, including myself, an advantage or a disadvantage.
4.2 within 28 days of taking office to enter in the Register of Disclosable Interests maintained by the monitoring officer of the elected local policing body every disclosable interest as set out in the attached schedule A – Schedule of Disclosable Interests.
4.3 within 28 days of any change in circumstances to enter in the Register of Disclosable Interests the changes in so far as are related to disclosable interests.
4.4 If the nature of the interest is such that I and the Monitoring Officer consider that disclosure could lead to me or a person connected with me being subject to violence or intimidation, then any entry in the register should not include details of the interest but should indicate that the interest has been disclosed and is withheld by virtue of this section.
5. Conflicts of interests
5.1 In any case where the interests of exercising the functions of my office may conflict with any disclosable or other interest, which has become known to me, I shall as soon as possible declare such conflict as is required in accordance with the policy issued under Para 3 of the Elected Local Policing Body (Specified Information) Order 2011 and determine whether the conflict of interest is so substantial that the function should not be exercised personally but should be delegated or dealt with in some other manner to ensure the conflict of interest does not arise.
6. Disclosure of information
6.1 I agree not to disclose information given to me in confidence or information acquired by me which is of a confidential nature, unless I have the consent of a person authorised to give it or I am required by law to do so or for the lawful purposes of my office provided that I shall not be prevented from disclosure to a third party for the purpose of obtaining professional legal advice where the third party agrees not to disclose the information to any other person;
6.2 Any disclosure made by me shall be reasonable, be in the public interest and made in good faith.
6.3 I agree not to prevent another person from gaining access to information to which that person is entitled by law.
7. Transparency
7.1 The register of interests and gifts and hospitality shall be published on the elected policing body’s website.
8. Complaints
Any complaint about the conduct of the Police and Crime Commissioner is the responsibility of the Police and Crime Panel.
Police and Crime Panel for Derbyshire
Derbyshire County Council
County Hall
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3AG
*Subject to any protocol agreed between the Police & Crime Panel and the Monitoring Officer at any later date.