Saltash Town Council Re-Signs Civility and Respect Pledge for 2026/27

Anyone who has sat through a tense council meeting knows how quickly the mood in the room can turn. Saltash Town Council has decided to do something about that before debate even gets going.

The council has re-signed the Civility and Respect Pledge for 2026/27, and this time it has added a new habit. Every meeting agenda will now open with a reminder of the Pledge, read aloud by the Chair at the start of proceedings.

The wording is short and deliberate:

“The Town Council has adopted the Civility and Respect Pledge. Members are reminded of their obligations under the Code of Conduct. Debate is to be respectful, focused on the issues, and conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct.”

A commitment that goes back to 2022

Saltash first signed up to the Pledge in September 2022. That was part of a wider project run with the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), One Voice Wales (OVW) and County Associations.

The Pledge was brought in to support the eradication of bullying, harassment and intimidation across the council sector. It followed growing concern about the effect this was having on parish and town councils, on councillors, on clerks and on council staff.

The council says it now believes it is time to put civility and respect at the top of the agenda and start a culture change for the local council sector.

What the council has signed up to

By re-signing, Saltash Town Council commits to:

1. Treat all councillors, the clerk and all employees, members of the public, representatives of partner organisations and volunteers with civility and respect in their role.
2. Put in place a training programme for councillors and staff.
3. Sign up to a Code of Conduct for councillors.
4. Have in place good governance arrangements, including staff contracts and a dignity at work policy.
5. Commit to seeking professional help at early stages, should civility and respect issues arise.
6. Commit to calling out bullying and harassment if and when it happens.
7. Continue to learn from best practice in the sector and aspire to being a role model or champion council, for example via the Local Council Award Scheme.
8. Support continued lobbying for a change in legislation to back the Pledge, including sanctions for elected members where appropriate.

Newly elected and co-opted councillors are required to acknowledge the Pledge. It is also referenced within staff policies, complaints handling and guidance, and on the council’s website. A banner on the footer of every agenda now carries it too.

The Mayor’s view

Mayor Cllr Brian Stoyel said the move matters for everyone involved in council life.

“Re-signing the Civility and Respect Pledge is an important step in continuing to build a positive and supportive council environment. Respectful debate and good conduct are at the heart of effective working, helping to ensure the wellbeing of councillors, staff and our community.

By placing this pledge at the forefront of our meetings and daily work, Saltash Town Council is strengthening its commitment to treating everyone with fairness, dignity and respect. It is a simple but important reminder of the standards we all share.”

Further details on the Pledge and what it involves are available on the NALC website.