Improving civility and respect

Growing concerns about bullying, harassment, and intimidation in parish and town councils prompted leading sector organisations to unite to form a Civility and Respect Working Group.

We are part of the Civility and Respect Working Group along with county associations, One Voice Wales, and the Society of Local Council Clerks.

The group prioritises promoting civility and respect in public life, emphasising the critical role of good governance in ensuring a well-functioning democracy across all levels. The group recognises the detrimental effects of intimidation, abuse, bullying, and harassment on council operations, councillor representation, public engagement, and trust in local democracy. The group is dedicated to fostering an environment of civility and respect. It aims to encourage positive debate, support the well-being of councillors, clerks, and council staff, and promote good governance practices within parish and town councils.

To achieve these goals, the group will focus on delivering tangible actions, interventions and resources in four main areas:

• Implementing processes to intervene and provide support to struggling councils
• Lobbying to strengthen the standards regime and encourage greater public involvement
• Offer training opportunities
• Providing councils with tools to support good governance

Click the images below to discover what your parish and town council can do.