Monday, 24 August 2020

Allotment Behaviour and Codes of Conduct



What is a code of conduct and why do allotments need them?

When an allotment holder raised a question over water pressure and maintenance with an officer on their site, they reported on social media that they got an unacceptable response. The point was not about the response itself but the words which were claimed to have been used and the approach in which they were delivered.

We have all witnessed inappropriate or offensive language, and more importantly inappropriate attitude to others and this applies in many ways. Whether its age, sex, ethnic background, disability, physical or mental ability, demographic, status, etc. discrimination of any sort has no place on today’s diverse and inclusive allotments.

It is often hard to encapsulate principles of conduct and behaviour within either constitution and tenancy rules. It covers all members, officers and committee members behaviour and rights with respect to each other, on the governance of the Society, the Society’s business and affairs, interaction with the wider community and what is expected in all meetings.

One important point covered is the often-thorny issue of collective responsibility. All members have the right to voice their opinion and to speak openly on issues within the membership but must accept collective responsibility such that when the 'majority' have voted that the result is accepted, irrespective of individual opinion or conviction.

Some committees have wasted much time and effort because someone refused to accept collective responsibility, questioned anything and everything and without a point of reference they often believe that they are entitled to do so.

The code also may lay out how and when conflict of interest is declared, how meetings are held and minuted. We may all assume it is done this or that way but rarely is this written down and often it’s down to working practice and who holds the pen.

You would not expect a committee member to mislead or lie to colleagues but if they do, what can you do? There are many things we all expect from others, but these may not be what others do.

Codes of conduct are not easy to write and need to dovetail into the constitutional rules, tenancy rules, grievance and complaints procedures and now GDPR policy. They may seem too much and too bureaucratic to many, but wait till you have issues and start to look to find that donkey to pin the tail on.

We created a code of conduct for a number of reasons. There was refusal by an individual to accept anything other than their viewpoint even when all had voted and closed the issues. However not only that, but there were other issues where some would suggest the committee was misled, where formal complaints and legal letters were sent to the Borough offices and other third parties without even copying or informing the committee and which contained inaccuracies and false statements.

A Code of Conduct that lays down the behavior expected of all can be voluntary and if adhered to should never need to see daylight.