THERE is no written policy setting out how the Code of Conduct for States Members is enforced, the head of the body responsible for the code has said.
Privileges and Procedures Committee chair Deputy Steve Ahier, said that a revised proposition and accompanying guidance on administering the Code “that is intended to help everyone including members” will be published in due course.
Deputy Moz Scott asked what policies are in place to ensure “fair and consistent treatment of Members” and “consideration of mitigating factors”.
It comes following a planned proposition to amend the current code, which was poised for debate in the States Chamber earlier this year but was withdrawn by the PPC to make changes.
The initial revisions were aimed at boosting public trust in their elected politicians.
A consultation on the matter took place with Members last year, where politicians were asked what they believed should change in the code that the Commissioner for Standards uses to assess complaints against them.
The initial revisions were intended to replace the current format of the code with a simpler, rules-based system, setting out clearer expectations for how Members should manage conflicts of interest, conduct themselves during investigations, and communicate both in person and online.
It included new definitions for behaviours such as harassment, bullying, and discrimination and set out how Members should engage with the Commissioner for Standards during an investigation.
It also planned to introduce tighter rules for Members around declaring personal and financial interests.
Responding to Deputy Scott, Deputy Ahier said: “[PPC] will return with a revised proposition in due course, as with the previous version, however, the revised code will be accompanied by guidance that is intended to help everyone, including members, understand how the code works and how it is administered.”
