6. Parish Council Policies/Procedures - Lockington Parish Council

Controlled Documentation Procedure (5-Year Plan)

This document provides a definitive list of all controlled procedures, policies, and activities adopted by the Parish Council, the date of adoption, the responsible individual, and the next review date.

1. Standing Orders

The Parish Council must operate in accordance with procedures defined by legislation.

Lockington Parish Council have resolved to adopt the NALC Model Standing Orders (2018).

2. Code of Conduct

All Parish Councillors must sign a 'Declaration of Acceptance' form for the office they hold. This includes an undertaking to adhere to the Code of Conduct of Lockington Parish Council.

Lockington Parish Council have resolved to adopt the ERYC (2021) Code of Conduct.

3. Financial Regulations & Financial Risk Assessment

The Parish Council must operate under strict financial control as defined by legislation.

Lockington Parish Council have resolved to adopt the NALC Model Financial Regulations 2019. A financial risk assessment is also used to ensure the Parish Council have controls in place for all financial risks.

4. Asset Register & Assessment Risk Register

The Parish Council must be able to clearly identify its assets, their locations, and their financial worth. These assets must be insured, and a Risk Assessment of these assets must be carried out annually.

5. Lockington Emergency Plan

All major emergencies (road accidents, fires, severe weather, flooding, medical emergencies) are dealt with by the Emergency Services, Local Authorities, Health Agencies, Utility Companies and Voluntary Agencies in a combined and coordinated response, and it is highly unlikely that we as Lockington Parish Council would ever need to get involved. However, it is recommended that communities have an emergency plan to ensure effective communication in such situations.

6. Health & Safety Plan

The Parish Council must be able to clearly identify any hazards and risks associated with the work it undertakes on behalf of the Parishioners of Lockington. Where risks are identified, controls must be put in place to mitigate the risk. A personal risk assessment must then be carried out prior to the start of any work.

7. Data & Document Retention

The Parish Council recognises that the efficient management of its records is necessary to comply with its legal and regulatory obligations and to contribute to the effective overall management of the Parish Council. This procedure outlines the agreed requirements for effective management of this process.

8 . Transparency Code for Small Authorities

The Parish Council does not have a stand aloneTransparency Code, but fully complies with the Government Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities..

9. Scheme of Publication

The Parish Council does not have a standalone Scheme of Publication, but fully complies with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 issued by the Information Commissioner's Office.

10. Equal Opportunities Policy

The Parish Council does not have a standalone equal opportunities policy; it has adopted the ERNLLCA/NALC policy version. It is a statement of organisational procedures and practices that provide genuine equality of opportunity for all employees, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

11. Grants & Donations Policy

This policy details the requirements a public body must meet to comply with Section 37 of the Local Government Act 1972. This policy allows a local authority to spend a limited amount on activities for which it has no specific power, but which the authority considers 'will bring direct benefit to the area, or any part of it or all of some of its inhabitants'.

12 IT Policy

The Parish Council has adopted the IT Policy from the Practitioners’ Guide, which is issued by the Smaller Authorities Proper Practices Panel (SAPPP). Lockington Parish Council recognises the importance of effective and secure information technology (IT) and email usage in supporting its business, operations, and communications. This policy outlines the guidelines and responsibilities for the appropriate use of IT resources and email by council members, employees, volunteers, and contractors.

13. Safeguarding Policy

In the interests of child protection and the welfare and protection of vulnerable adults, this Council is committed to ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from harm whilst they are engaged in any activity associated with the Council.

14. Environmental Policy

This policy responds to the strengthened biodiversity duty introduced by the Environment Act 2021. Lockington Parish Council is committed to conserving and enhancing biodiversity within its jurisdiction. Biodiversity—the variety and abundance of life—supports ecosystems critical to human and environmental well-being. The council is using advice created by central government to support compliance with the Biodiversity Duty.

Complaints

Any complaints regarding the conduct of Councillors should be made in writing and addressed to Mathew Buckley, Monitoring Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 9BA or emailed to standards@eastriding.gov.uk.

The complaint must include the following criteria;