Code of Conduct and Standards of Conduct Policy and Procedure

This policy is available in alternative formats on request.

Code of Conduct for membership to Healthwatch Sefton and Standards of Conduct Policy and Procedure

We would like to thank you for volunteering as a member of Healthwatch Sefton.

This policy sets out what you can expect from the Healthwatch Sefton team and what it is expected of you as a Healthwatch Sefton member when you are engaging in a Healthwatch Sefton related activity (for example, this can include volunteering, or attending an event on behalf of Healthwatch Sefton). Membership allows all Sefton residents and voluntary, community and faith groups working in Sefton to become part of Healthwatch Sefton.

If the Healthwatch Sefton staff team do not meet your expectations, you can speak to the Chair about your concerns. You can also use our ‘Comments, compliments and complaints policy and procedure’.

Adherence to ‘Public Service Values’ (as described in the seven principles of public life) is integral to the membership of Healthwatch Sefton. This policy will help to clarify and set out the details of this duty. Adherence to the Code of Conduct is therefore a condition of membership to Healthwatch Sefton and breaches of the code could lead to action being taken.

It is likely that you will want to be involved in different ways at different times and this code of conduct policy will apply for any involvement you decide to have with Healthwatch Sefton.

You may want to take up a volunteer role with Healthwatch Sefton or become active only when particular issues important to you or your group/organisation arise. You may only wish to receive a newsletter so that you feel informed and involved. It’s up to you how and when you get involved.

The following provides some general codes of conduct which may only be applicable dependent on your current level of involvement:

commit to being active within your chosen role in Healthwatch Sefton.
prepare for meetings and events, contribute and send apologies when you cannot attend or will be late, within reason.
ensure that when you are unavailable to undertake work or meetings associated with Healthwatch Sefton that you let the Chair or the Healthwatch Sefton staff team know as soon as possible.
listen to and respect the views and experiences of other Healthwatch Sefton members, and support fellow members to contribute to the work of the organisation.
present and promote other relevant views, which may not always be the same as your own.

I understand that as a member of Healthwatch Sefton, I will:

Personal Conduct.

seek out and listen to the views of local people and communities, especially those individuals and groups whose voices are not usually heard.
raise issues for consideration by Healthwatch Sefton which are based on evidence from people and communities, which demonstrate this is a matter of wider concern.
act and conduct myself in a reasonable and responsible way to any staff or volunteers or members of the public I work with or meet as a member of Healthwatch Sefton. Members are to respect and consider the views of others, and not be judgemental towards other individuals or representatives.
adhere to the Healthwatch Sefton Social Media policy.
never disclose confidential and sensitive information unless there is a legal duty to do so for example in the interests of patient safety.
to attend relevant training and other opportunities to develop my understanding of Healthwatch Sefton and health and social care structures.
let the Healthwatch Sefton staff team know, in good time, of any changes to my employment or personal circumstances which could affect my membership of Healthwatch Sefton.
declare any conflict of interest, or anything that might be seen by other people as a conflict of interest, as soon as it arises to the Healthwatch Sefton staff team who will keep the register up to date.
not accept gifts or hospitality which could be seen as trying to influence the decisions, independence or activities of Healthwatch Sefton.
comply with relevant legislation including equal opportunities, discrimination, human rights, data protection and freedom of information.

Valuing Diversity

treat all people with respect and act in a way which does not discriminate against or exclude anyone.

Collective Responsibility

not work against the majority view of Healthwatch Sefton once a decision has been democratically taken, but I may request that my viewpoint, if it differs, is recorded in the minutes.
only carry out work and undertake visits in line with the work plan and protocols agreed by Healthwatch Sefton.
have the general agreement of Healthwatch Sefton before speaking, writing or attending meetings on behalf of the organisation.
ensure that when I am representing Healthwatch Sefton at a meeting or event, that I am speaking on behalf of the membership and not myself, and declare this at the start of any meeting or event, and ensure that you know when you are/are not representing the organisation.
report back when attending a meeting/event as an ambassador for Healthwatch Sefton, by completing the ambassador feedback form I within 2 weeks of undertaking the activity. The Healthwatch Sefton staff team will ensure that appropriate support is provided to members to enable completion of the feedback form.

I understand that the Healthwatch Sefton staff team will provide:

help to carry out my work with Healthwatch Sefton.
appropriate materials to carry out my Healthwatch Sefton activities.
advice and support in dealing with any difficulties I am having and guidance with situations that are new to me.
ensure support is put in place for any help I need to take a full part in the work of Healthwatch Sefton. This may include an interpreter, translations, advocate, child care and travel (agreed in advance with the Healthwatch Sefton manager)
training in areas I have identified which will help me in my involvement with Healthwatch Sefton.
up to date information, sent to me in a way (such as email or post) and format that I have agreed.
meetings held at an accessible venue at an appropriate and convenient time as requested by members of Healthwatch Sefton.
appropriate levels of insurance when taking part in Healthwatch Sefton activities which are carried out in line with regulations.
an identity badge if appointed by the Healthwatch Sefton Operations Group for the purposes of entering and viewing premises in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and for all other authorised volunteer roles available.

Supplement to the code of conduct for Healthwatch Sefton Board meetings, Operations group meetings, Community Champion meetings and any other meetings held to support the work of Healthwatch Sefton.

Meeting rules.

Switch mobile phones off or turn to silent throughout the duration of the meeting.
Keep contributions relevant to the agenda and contribute appropriately in terms of content and length of contribution.
Show courtesy and respect for other’s opinions – all members have the right to be heard on matters relevant to the agenda items discussed, members of Healthwatch Sefton treating colleagues, staff and visitors with respect.
Raise points of discussion – questions and remarks – through the Chair so as not to prolong the meeting any more than necessary. If the meeting is held online, the ‘hands up’ function to be used to alert the Chair/ to hold your hand up so that this can be seen on screen.
Do not use sexist, racist, ageist or homophobic language.
Members should observe time limits for discussions.
The Chairperson at each meeting held by Healthwatch Sefton, has the power to curtail discussion as appropriate – a member dominating the discussion may be asked by the Chair to give way to other members wishing to speak.
No member should complain on behalf of Healthwatch Sefton without prior discussion and agreement of Healthwatch Sefton.
A binding vote is to be taken on issues upon which members disagree – the chair does not have an individual vote unless it is necessary for the chair to give a casting vote in the event of a split decision.
If the code of conduct is breached during a meeting, the Chair/ Healthwatch Staff team have the right to suspend and withdraw support for the meeting.
All meetings of Healthwatch Sefton need to run smoothly and it is important that all members try to attend regularly and play an active role. However it is also recognised that at times members may not be able to attend meetings regularly, and with agreement can continue to contribute by other agreed means.

The Seven (Nolan) Principles of Public Life.

Selflessness. Holders of public office should take decisions 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 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 they should 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 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.

The Standards of Conduct Policy and Procedure.

What happens if the Code of Conduct is breached?

Healthwatch Sefton has a philosophy of inclusiveness, with its members taking an active role in health and social care structures, decision making and co-production. When however, members do not meet the appropriate standards and the code of conduct is breached, it is essential to ensure that action is taken which is fair, proportionate and appropriate. The policy therefore aims to:

ensure the safe and effective operation of Healthwatch Sefton;
ensure that volunteers are supported in gaining awareness of their rights and obligations;
ensure that any standards of conduct action taken is fairly and consistently applied;
promote and maintain standards of conduct and commitment to public service values (as described in the Seven Principles of Public Life).

Pecuniary Interest

It is a requirement that members declare pecuniary (i.e. any financial) interests and withdraw from any discussions relating to such an interest. If it becomes clear that a member is not observing this restriction, Healthwatch Sefton is entitled to end that person’s membership by giving written notice.

Continuing membership not in the interests of Healthwatch Sefton.

The following is a list of examples of behaviour that could potentially trigger conduct action. The list is not exhaustive, and other situations of potentially inappropriate behaviour may also be considered.

List of criteria:

Physical assault on other Healthwatch Sefton members or any other individuals in the course of work pertaining to Healthwatch Sefton, or action perceived by the recipient to be intimidating;
Making comments a recipient or witness considers to be discriminatory, particularly on the grounds of race, sex, disability or other types of discrimination recognised in law;
Failing to observe agreed confidentiality, particularly patient confidentiality;
Deception in completing an application or other official form
Fraud (e.g. submitting false expenses claims);
Theft of or malicious damage to Healthwatch Sefton, Sefton Council for Voluntary Service, NHS or Health and Social Care property;
Gross carelessness or negligence (an act or failure to act which endangers others’ Health and Safety);
Convicted of a criminal offence during membership to Healthwatch Sefton that might threaten the credibility of the organisation.
Bringing Healthwatch Sefton into disrepute
Preventing other Healthwatch Sefton members from participating
Acting against the agreed action/work plan of the organisation.

The conduct procedure should be initiated by a formal complaint. Please refer to the Healthwatch Sefton Comments, Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure.

Anyone may make a complaint about a member’s behaviour. A complaint that becomes a standard of conduct case will be dealt with under this procedure. The Healthwatch Sefton Standards of Conduct Policy is subject to the Healthwatch Sefton Comments, Compliments and Complaints policy and procedure.

Stage 1 – Initial Investigation

In response to a complaint, Healthwatch Sefton will make the initial decision on whether an investigation is appropriate, based on the standards of conduct and advice from Human Resources as appropriate. This may involve (further) discussion with the complainant and will lead either to the next stage of the process or the complaint being taken no further.

If a breach of a standard of conduct involves possible criminal activity, Healthwatch Sefton should consider informing the police. The standards of conduct procedure will continue whether or not this decision is taken.

Representation

Healthwatch Sefton members are entitled to be accompanied by a friend, colleague or independent advocate not acting in a legal capacity, during any stage of the standards of conduct procedure. This person may participate in any discussions or communications.

Stage 2 – Informal Action

If it is decided that a complaint should be dealt with under this policy, it will be the strong intention of Healthwatch Sefton to resolve any complaints about members informally, through communication, mediation and training as appropriate. Where possible, and with due regard for the seriousness of an individual complaint, the designated officer should attempt to resolve the matter informally.

This should take the form of:

A phone call to the member (if possible) to tell him or her about the complaint
If the member requests it, a letter to the member setting out the outline of the complaint (the letter will also be sent if phone contact was not possible) and enclosing a copy of this policy;
A discussion with the objective of helping the member to reach an appropriate standard of conduct, or resolve the particular problem which led to the complaint;
Following the discussion, the designated officer will write to the member summarising the action.

Stage 3 – Investigation

If a complaint about a Healthwatch Sefton member cannot be resolved informally, or it is considered to be too serious a matter to be handled informally, the complaint will be investigated using the Healthwatch Sefton Comments, Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure.

Policy Reviewed: August 2024

Review Date: August 2025

Agreeing to the Code of Conduct.

Adherence to the Code of Conduct is a condition of membership with Healthwatch Sefton. This Code of Conduct sets out what you can expect from Healthwatch Sefton and what is expected of you as a member involved in Healthwatch activities.

Please sign below to accept the code of conduct and return this page back (keeping the code of conduct policy for future reference) to Healthwatch Sefton using the FREEPOST address below or by emailing this back by email: info@healthwatchsefton.co.uk Once this has been signed by Healthwatch Sefton, a copy will be returned to you for your records and held on file.

I agree to abide by the Healthwatch Sefton Code of Conduct.

Name (Please print) ___________________________________________

Signed _____________________________________________________

Date________________________________________________________

Healthwatch Sefton agrees to support you as a member as outlined in this code of conduct

Name (Please print) ___________________________________________

Signed _____________________________________________________

Date________________________________________________________

FREEPOST RTCG-HGXH-LHRS

Healthwatch Sefton

Sefton CVS

3^rd Floor, Suite 3B, North Wing

Burlington House

Crosby Road North

Waterloo, L22 0LG