Motion #15
This motion updates, modernises, and simplifies the party’s code of conduct in line with previous consultations at conference and taking into account the views of members and staff involved in the disputes and complaints process.
Replace the Code of Conduct with the following:
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Founding Principles
3 Expectations
General Conduct
Political Opponents
Internal Democracy
Finance and Regulation
Using the Complaints System
Agents of the Party
4 Oversight
5 Complaints Procedure
6 Appended Documents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The purpose of this document is to set out standards of behaviour and conduct for all Green Party members and volunteers. As a member of or volunteer for the Green Party, we agree to meet these expectations and act accordingly when representing the Green Party.
1.2 Breaches of Section 3 (Expectations) of this Members’ Code of Conduct (MCC) may be considered grounds for disciplinary action following a complaint which will be handled using the Party’s agreed disputes and complaints process (see Section 5) or may be grounds to make use of one of the other suitable party procedures which do not require a formal disciplinary complaint to be registered.
Such other procedures include (but are not necessarily limited to): the Speaking Out policy, Safeguarding policy, a no-confidence, recall, or deselection procedure, or the Regional Council’s powers to regulate party membership. These procedures are defined in other organisational documents and may have other triggers not set out in this Code.
1.3 This Members’ Code of Conduct is effective from the moment of its adoption. Any breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct shall be assessed against the version of the Code of Conduct effective at the time of conduct in question, except where a pattern of behaviour takes place over a period of time in which multiple versions of the Code were in effect – in which case the latest version at the time of the submission of the complaint will normally be considered.
1.3 This Members’ Code of Conduct is effective from the moment of its adoption.
Any breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct shall be assessed against the version of the Code of Conduct effective at the time of conduct in question, except where a pattern of behaviour takes place over a period of time in which multiple versions of the Code were in effect – in which case the latest version at the time of the submission of the complaint will normally be considered.
2.0 Founding Principles
These principles are drawn from the Party’s Philosophical Basis (PB) and Core Values (CV) and underpin the expectations set out in Section 3.
We affirm that:
2.1 An individual has the right to freedom of thought and self-expression, so far as this does not undermine our philosophical basis or core values. (PB401)
2.2 An individual has the right to freedom of behaviour provided such action does not harm others. (PB403)
2.3 An individual must take responsibility for the consequences of their own actions.
2.4 An individual has a right to non-violent action. (PB442 and PB501)
2.5 Members have a duty to help make the Green party an organisation in which people feel included, are safe, encouraged to contribute and welcomed regardless of background.
2.6 Members who believe they have observed breaches of Section 3 have a duty to report this using the complaints procedure (see Section 5) or another relevant process.
3.0 Expectations
General Conduct
3.1 We must not unlawfully discriminate against anyone on the basis of a protected characteristic that a person may have.
3.2 We must not bully or harass anyone contrary to Appendix A of this Code of Conduct.
3.3 We must not engage in violent conduct against other party members, members of staff, or members of the public.
3.4 We must not lie to other party members or members of staff.
3.5 We must not spread unfounded rumours about other party members or members of staff.
3.6 We must not insult or act disrespectfully towards other party members or members of staff – but it is not a breach of this clause to hold others to account, criticise the conduct of others within reason, or accuse others of wrongdoing (including but not limited to breaches of this Members’ Code of Conduct).
3.7 We must not engage in conduct which brings the Green Party into disrepute or is likely to do so, and when standing for public office we must disclose anything in our history that is likely to do so.
3.8 We must not publicly undermine or contradict the Green Party’s Core Values.
3.9 We must conduct ourselves in a way that enables the Green Party to be a space that is as safe or safer than society as a whole. Our conduct towards members and staff should be: tolerant, considerate, respectful, and civil.
3.10 We must all take accusations of wrongdoing seriously – and those in positions of responsibility must work to protect victims of discriminatory, oppressive, or abusive behaviour and provide an environment free of such conduct.
Political Opponents
3.11 We must not be members of another UK political party, except other ‘sister’ Green Parties based in the UK outside of England and Wales.
3.12 We must not stand for election against a properly selected Green Party candidate or campaign for a person standing against a properly selected Green Party candidate, nor act as their agent.
Internal Democracy
3.13 We must follow and observe all properly authorised organisational policies and procedures, including the Constitution of the Green Party and its subordinate documents.
3.14 We must respect the properly authorised autonomy and democratic decision making of constituent parts of the Green Party.
3.15 We must not improperly disrupt Green Party meetings or procedures.
3.16 We must not abuse any actual or perceived position of power, influence, responsibility, or trust that we may have over other party members or members of staff.
SOC Note: The remaining text of this amendment was found to be Out of Order for being trivial
3.17 We must not blackmail, coerce, or improperly influence other party members or members of staff in a way which interferes with internal or external democratic decision-making.
3.18 We must respect confidentiality when it has been agreed or imposed using a properly authorised procedure, and any challenges to confidentiality must be made using appropriate channels. Confidentiality does not affect a member’s rights as set out in the party’s Speaking Out (formerly: Whistleblowing) policy.
3.19 We must comply with any disciplinary sanctions or any other judgements made by the Green Party against us or other party members using properly authorised procedures.
Finance and Regulation
3.20 We must not spend or commit Green Party funds without having the proper authority to do so.
3.21 We must not approve expenditure of Green Party funds which puts the party or any part of it at risk of insolvency.
3.22 We must meet the legal obligations of the Green Party, including keeping adequate records of our decisions or communications, and we must produce them or make them available in line with any properly authorised procedures.
3.23 We must abide by all relevant and current electoral law(s).
Using the Complaints System
3.24 Members have a duty to report any wrongdoing they have witnessed and must do so using the disputes and complaints process (see Section 5) or another suitable and properly authorised procedure (see Clause 1.2).
3.25 We must not abuse the disputes and complaints process by submitting complaints contrary to the UPVAM Guidance.
SOC Note: The acronym ‘UPVAM’ as used here and in motion D15 stands for ‘Unreasonable, Persistent, Vexatious, Abusive or Malicious’.
3.26 We must consider recusing ourselves from decisions where we may have a conflict of interest, as set out in the guidance on recusal.
Agents of the Party
3.27 Members in a position of responsibility organising meetings or activities have a duty of care to ensure attendees are not put in harm’s way as a result of negligence.
3.28 When we speak on behalf of the Green Party (including but not limited to: Leadership, Spokespeople, candidates for political office, public office holders, and internal office holders), if we are expressing a view differing from Green Party policy then we must ensure we also state Green Party policy and make clear that our views are not Green Party policy.
3.29 Members who hold internal or public office must follow the Seven Principles of Public Life (known as the Nolan Principles) when acting in an official capacity:
3.29.1 Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
3.29.2 Integrity – Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
3.29.3 Objectivity – Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
3.29.4 Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
3.29.5 Openness – Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
3.29.6 Honesty – Holders of public office should be truthful.
3.29.7 Leadership – Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.
4.0 Oversight
This document is to be kept under review by a group known as the Code of Conduct Oversight Body, consisting of: the Co-Chairs of Green Party Regional Council (GPRC), the Chair of Disciplinary Committee (DC), the Coordinator of the Alternative Disputes Resolution Committee (ADRC), and the Chair of the Green Party Executive (GPEx), or their deputies or substitutes.
4.1 Updating – Standing Orders Committee (SOC) may make simple updates or corrections to this Code as to numbering, terminology, names of groups, references to other procedures or documents as they change – and should do so promptly so as to keep this document relevant, up to date, and fit for purpose.
4.2 Revision – The Code of Conduct Oversight Body may propose revisions to this document on which it has reached consensus after consultation with relevant staff. If there is consensus, the changes will take effect immediately without requirement for further ratification. Revisions for which there is a majority in favour but not consensus are to be ratified via inclusion in a report from the oversight body to the next Conference. Subject to a majority Conference vote in favour of the report, any revision shall take immediate effect.
4.3 Appending documents – From time to time a body with the competent authority to do so may produce a supplementary organisational document and propose that it be appended to this Members’ Code of Conduct. The proposal must specify exactly which clauses or parts of clauses are to be appended, which has the effect of making them grounds for disciplinary action. A consensus decision of the oversight body is sufficient to bring the changes into effect, otherwise a change to an appendix for which there is a majority in favour but not a consensus shall be brought to the next Conference for ratification via a report, as set out in the above clause. Appendices may be changed or removed under this provision.
4.4 No appended document may nullify or be in conflict with any clause in this Members’ Code of Conduct, the GPEW Constitution, or the Standing Orders for Party Discipline. A document proposed to be appended to this Code under Clause 4.3 also may not be in conflict with or nullify a document that is already appended to it.
5.0 Complaints Procedure
The complaints procedure is outlined in the Standing Orders for Party Discipline (SOPD). This is available on the members website alongside supporting documentation and guidance.
The following documents support the disputes and complaints process:
Please note that this list may be incomplete.
The latest supporting documents can be found on the members website.
6.0 Appended Documents
Each appended document is to be listed here, giving precise details of:
which the appended clauses are; the date of appendance; the means of or authority for
appendance; and the date or version number of the appended document.
A breach of any of the following appended documents constitutes a breach of this Members’ Code of Conduct (MCC) for disciplinary purposes.
The following documents or sections of documents are appended to the MCC:
Appendix A:
The Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
Clauses Appended: Full Document
Appendance Date: 15/04/2015
Appended By: Spring Conference 2015
Oversight Body: GPEx
Latest Version: Version 1, Dated 15/04/2015
Members should also be familiar with the guidance available in the Framework for Ethics and Conduct, which provides additional context relevant to the Members’ Code of Conduct and its appendices and guide its interpretation and application:
and GPRC Approved Addendum to APPG Definition of Islamophobia
Please note that this list may be incomplete.
The latest supporting documents can be found on the members website.
These amendments change “We” to “Members” or “Members/volunteers” throughout (with one exception); amend the grammar as necessary, eg in some sentences “we” has been replaced by “they”, and “our” to “their”; other amendments shown below.
Title: Change the Members Code of Conduct (MCC)
Synopsis
This motion updates, modernises, and simplifies the party’s code of conduct in line with previous consultations at conference and taking into account the views of members and staff involved in the disputes and complaints process.
Motion
Replace the Code of Conduct with the following Members’ Code of Conduct (MCC):
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Founding Principles
3 Expectations
General Conduct
Political Opponents
Internal Democracy
Finance and Regulation
Using the Complaints System
Agents of the Party
4 Oversight
5 Complaints Procedure
6 Appended Documents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The purpose of this document is to set out standards of behaviour and conduct for all Green Party members and volunteers. As a member of or volunteer for the Green Party, we agree to meet these expectations and act accordingly when representing the Green Party.
1.2 Breaches of Section 3 (Expectations) of this Members’ Code of Conduct (MCC) may be considered grounds for disciplinary action following a complaint which will be handled using the Party’s agreed disputes and complaints process (see Section 5) or may be grounds to make use of one of the other suitable party procedures which do not require a formal disciplinary complaint to be registered.
Such other procedures include (but are not necessarily limited to): the Speaking Out policy, Safeguarding policy, a no-confidence, recall, or deselection procedure, or the Regional Council’s powers to regulate party membership. These procedures are defined in other organisational documents and may have other triggers not set out in this Code.
1.3 This Members’ Code of Conduct is effective from the moment of its adoption.
Any breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct shall be assessed against the version of the Code of Conduct effective at the time of conduct in question, except where a pattern of behaviour takes place over a period of time in which multiple versions of the Code were in effect – in which case the latest version at the time of the submission of the complaint will normally be considered.
2.0 Founding Principles
These principles are drawn from the Party’s Philosophical Basis (PB) and Core Values (CV) and underpin the expectations set out in Section 3.
We affirm that:
2.1 An individual has the right to freedom of thought and self-expression, so far as this does not undermine our philosophical basis or core values. (PB401)
2.2 An individual has the right to freedom of behaviour provided such action does not harm others. (PB403)
2.3 An individual must take responsibility for the consequences of their own actions.
2.4 An individual has a right to non-violent action. (PB442 and PB501)
2.5 Members have a duty to help make the Green party an organisation in which people feel included, are safe, encouraged to contribute and welcomed regardless of background.
2.6 Members who believe they have observed breaches of Section 3 have a duty to report this using the complaints procedure (see Section 5) or another relevant process.
3.0 Expectations
General Conduct
3.1 Members/volunteers must not unlawfully discriminate against anyone on the basis of a protected characteristic that a person may have.
3.2 Members/volunteers must not bully or harass anyone contrary to Appendix A of this Code of Conduct.
3.3 Members/volunteers must not engage in violent conduct against other party members, members of staff, or members of the public.
3.4 Members/volunteers must not lie to other party members or members of staff.
3.5 Members/volunteers must not spread unfounded rumours about other party members or members of staff.
3.6 Members/volunteers must not insult or act disrespectfully towards other party members or members of staff – but it is not a breach of this clause to hold others to account, criticise the conduct of others within reason, or accuse others of wrongdoing (including but not limited to breaches of this Members’ Code of Conduct).
3.7 Members/volunteers must not engage in conduct which brings the Green Party into disrepute or is likely to do so, and when standing for public office they must disclose anything in their history that is likely to do so.
3.8 Members/volunteers must not publicly undermine or contradict the Green Party’s Core Values.
3.9 Members/volunteers must conduct themselves in a way that enables the Green Party to be a space that is as safe or safer than society as a whole. Conduct towards members and staff should be: tolerant, considerate, respectful, and civil.
3.10 Members must all take accusations of wrongdoing seriously – and those in positions of responsibility must work to protect victims of discriminatory, oppressive, or abusive behaviour and provide an environment free of such conduct.
Political Opponents
3.11 Members must not be members of another UK political party, except other ‘sister’ Green Parties based in the UK outside of England and Wales.
3.12 Members must not stand for election against a properly selected Green Party candidate or campaign for a person standing against a properly selected Green Party candidate, nor act as their agent.
Internal Democracy
3.13 Members/volunteers must follow and observe all properly authorised organisational policies and procedures, including the Constitution of the Green Party and its subordinate documents.
3.14 Members/volunteers must respect the properly authorised autonomy and democratic decision making of constituent parts of the Green Party.
3.15 Members/volunteers must not improperly disrupt Green Party meetings or procedures.
3.16 Members/volunteers must not abuse any actual or perceived position of power, influence, responsibility, or trust that they may have over other party members or members of staff.
3.17 Members/volunteers must not blackmail, coerce, or improperly influence other party members or members of staff in a way which interferes with internal or external democratic decision-making.
3.18 Members/volunteers must respect confidentiality when it has been agreed or imposed using a properly authorised procedure, and any challenges to confidentiality must be made using appropriate channels. Confidentiality does not affect a member’s rights as set out in the party’s Speaking Out (formerly: Whistleblowing) policy.
3.19 Members must comply with any disciplinary sanctions or any other judgements made by the Green Party against them or other party members using properly authorised procedures.
Finance and Regulation
3.20 Members/volunteers must not spend or commit Green Party funds without having the proper authority to do so.
3.21 Members/volunteers must not approve expenditure of Green Party funds which puts the party or any part of it at risk of insolvency.
3.22 Members must meet the legal obligations of the Green Party, including keeping adequate records of decisions or communications, and they must produce them or make them available in line with any properly authorised procedures.
3.23 Members/volunteers must abide by all relevant and current electoral law(s).
Using the Complaints System
3.24 Members have a duty to report any wrongdoing they have witnessed and must do so using the disputes and complaints process (see Section 5) or another suitable and properly authorised procedure (see Clause 1.2).
3.25 Members must not abuse the disputes and complaints process by submitting complaints contrary to the UPVAM Guidance.
3.26 Members must consider recusing themselves from decisions where they may have a conflict of interest, as set out in the guidance on recusal.
Agents of the Party
3.27 Members in a position of responsibility organising meetings or activities have a duty of care to ensure attendees are not put in harm’s way as a result of negligence.
3.28 When members speak on behalf of the Green Party (including but not limited to: Leadership, Spokespeople, candidates for political office, public office holders, and internal office holders), if they are expressing a view differing from Green Party policy then they must ensure they also state Green Party policy and make clear that their views are not Green Party policy.
3.29 Members who hold internal or public office must follow the Seven Principles of Public Life (known as the Nolan Principles) when acting in an official capacity:
3.29.1 Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
3.29.2 Integrity – Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
3.29.3 Objectivity – Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
3.29.4 Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
3.29.5 Openness – Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
3.29.6 Honesty – Holders of public office should be truthful.
3.29.7 Leadership – Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.
4.0 Oversight
This document is to be kept under review by a group known as the Members’ Code of Conduct Oversight Body, consisting of: the Co-Chairs of Green Party Regional Council (GPRC), the Chair of Disciplinary Committee (DC), the Coordinator of the Alternative Disputes Resolution Committee (ADRC), and the Chair of the Green Party Executive (GPEx), or their deputies or substitutes.
4.1 Updating – Standing Orders Committee (SOC) may make simple updates or corrections to this Code as to numbering, terminology, names of groups, references to other procedures or documents as they change – and should do so promptly so as to keep this document relevant, up to date, and fit for purpose.
4.2 Revision – The Members’ Code of Conduct Oversight Body may propose revisions to this document on which it has reached consensus after consultation with relevant staff. If there is consensus, the changes will take effect immediately without requirement for further ratification. Revisions for which there is a majority in favour but not consensus are to be ratified via inclusion in a report from the oversight body to the next Conference. Subject to a majority Conference vote in favour of the report, any revision shall take immediate effect.
4.3 Appending documents – From time to time a body with the competent authority to do so may produce a supplementary organisational document and propose that it be appended to this Members’ Code of Conduct. The proposal must specify exactly which clauses or parts of clauses are to be appended, which has the effect of making them grounds for disciplinary action. A consensus decision of the oversight body is sufficient to bring the changes into effect, otherwise a change to an appendix for which there is a majority in favour but not a consensus shall be brought to the next Conference for ratification via a report, as set out in the above clause. Appendices may be changed or removed under this provision.
4.4 No appended document may nullify or be in conflict with any clause in this Members’ Code of Conduct, the GPEW Constitution, or the Standing Orders for Party Discipline. A document proposed to be appended to this Code under Clause 4.3 also may not be in conflict with or nullify a document that is already appended to it.
5.0 Complaints Procedure
The complaints procedure is outlined in the Standing Orders for Party Discipline (SOPD). This is available on the members website alongside supporting documentation and guidance.
The following documents support the disputes and complaints process:
Please note that this list may be incomplete.
The latest supporting documents can be found on the members website.
6.0 Appended Documents
Each appended document is to be listed here, giving precise details of:
which the appended clauses are; the date of appendance; the means of or authority for
appendance; and the date or version number of the appended document.
A breach of any of the following appended documents constitutes a breach of this Members’ Code of Conduct (MCC) for disciplinary purposes.
The following documents or sections of documents are appended to the MCC:
Appendix A:
The Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
Clauses Appended: Full Document
Appendance Date: 15/04/2015
Appended By: Spring Conference 2015
Oversight Body: GPEx
Latest Version: Version 1, Dated 15/04/2015
Members should also be familiar with the guidance available in the Framework for Ethics and Conduct, which provides additional context relevant to the Members’ Code of Conduct and its appendices and guide its interpretation and application:
and GPRC Approved Addendum to APPG Definition of Islamophobia
Please note that this list may be incomplete.
The latest supporting documents can be found on the members website.
Last updated on 2024-09-08 at 15:20