About us...

What worked

Producing and publishing a Code of Conduct is in itself relatively easy. However, if another organisation was to pick up “Our Code”, change the logo and name and publish it, they would arguably have missed the point.

The key to our success has been building ownership of the Code of Conduct. Even the most cynical of employees at the original workshop contributed positively to “Our Code”'s development. The fact that their negative experiences and views were able to shape “Our Code” enabled them to own it, invest in it and promote it to colleagues.

There were a number of things that helped “Our Code” take root:

We publicised it in the Council’s employee newsletter.
We issued core briefings to managers to let them know of developments.
Posters alerted employees that “Our Code” was "coming soon" and that they should ask their managers about it if they weren't told about it.
The Administration was briefed and senior politicians were encouraged to use “Our Code” at committee and other meetings. Opposition parties were also briefed.
All employees were briefed as they were given their personal copies of “Our Code”. This meant they understood that “Our Code” was for them and that they could raise questions and find out how to use it. Briefings were carried out by H.R and Communications Services and were introduced by the Director or senior manager in each team to reinforce the corporate message. Briefings inspired much discussion.