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.
