Council Policies
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Governance and Accountability
Cllr Co-option Policy
Describes the process and criteria used when co-opting new members to fill vacancies on the Council.
Cllr Co-option Policy (PDF)Delegated Decision Policy on Planning Matters
Outlines how and when the Council may respond to planning consultations without a full council vote.
Extract Working with County Councillors
Guidance on how town councillors interact and collaborate with Northumberland County Councillors.
Freedom of Information Policy
Explains how the Council handles requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Freedom of Information Policy (Word)Model Councillor Officer Protocol
Defines the working relationship and boundaries between elected councillors and council officers.
Model LGA Code of Conduct
The adopted code of conduct setting out the standards of behaviour expected of all councillors.
Model Publication Scheme
Sets out what information the Council routinely makes available to the public and how to access it.
NALC Model Financial Regulations (updated 2025)
The financial rules governing how the Council manages, controls, and accounts for public money.
NALC Model Standing Orders (updated 2025)
The procedural rules governing how Council meetings are conducted and decisions are made.
People, Employment and Wellbeing
Building Security and Visitor Protocol
Sets out the Council's arrangements for maintaining the security of its premises and managing visitor access.
Asbestos Management Plan
Sets out the Council's arrangements for identifying, managing, and monitoring asbestos-containing materials in its premises.
Asbestos Management Plan (PDF)Disciplinary Procedure
Details the formal steps followed when addressing conduct or performance concerns involving council employees.
Employee Code of Conduct
Sets out the standards of professional behaviour and conduct expected from all council employees.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
Reflects the Council's commitment to fair and inclusive treatment for employees, councillors, and residents.
Grievance Procedure
Explains how employees can raise workplace concerns and the steps taken to resolve them fairly.
Health & Safety Policy
Covers the Council's responsibilities and arrangements for maintaining a safe working environment.
Lone Working Policy
Sets out the arrangements and safety measures in place for staff who work alone or without direct supervision.
Pension and Flexible Retirement Policy
Sets out the Council's approach to managing pension arrangements and supporting flexible retirement options for employees.
Pension Discretions Policy
Records the Council's exercise of employer discretions under the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations.
Safeguarding Policy
Sets out the Council's duty to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm or abuse.
Sickness and Leave Policy
Covers the Council's arrangements for managing employee sickness absence and all categories of leave entitlement.
Training Costs Reimbursement Policy
Sets out the circumstances in which the Council may seek reimbursement of training costs from employees who leave within a specified period.
Whistleblowing Policy
Provides a confidential route for employees to report concerns about wrongdoing or malpractice.
Working From Home Policy
Outlines the arrangements and expectations for council staff who work remotely or from home.
IT, Communications and Media
CCTV Policy
Sets out how the Council operates and manages CCTV systems across its premises and public areas.
Communication Strategy
Sets out how the Council engages with residents, stakeholders, and the media to share its work effectively.
Communication Strategy (PDF)Complaints Procedure
Explains how residents and service users can raise a complaint and the process the Council follows to resolve it.
Data Protection Policy
Outlines the Council's approach to handling personal data in line with UK GDPR and data protection law.
IT Policy
Sets out acceptable use of Council IT systems and equipment by employees, councillors, and authorised users.
Press and Media Policy
Governs how the Council manages its relationships with media outlets and responds to press enquiries.
Social Media and Email Policy
Covers acceptable use of social media and email by councillors and staff acting on behalf of the Council.
Vexatious, Persistent, Aggressive and Abusive Complaints Policy
Explains how the Council identifies and responds to complaints that are vexatious, persistent, or made in an abusive manner.
Finance and Assets
Financial Regulations (NALC Model)
The National Association of Local Councils model financial regulations governing the Council's financial procedures and controls.
Reserves Policy
Sets out how the Council maintains and uses its financial reserves to support long-term stability and planning.
Financial & Management Risk Assessment
Identifies and evaluates the financial and management risks facing the Council and sets out mitigating controls.
Financial & Management Risk Assessment (PDF)Assets Register Policy
Sets out how the Council records, maintains, and manages its register of assets in line with proper accounting practice.
Committee Terms of Reference
Allotment Liaison Group
Defines the purpose, membership, and responsibilities of the Allotment Liaison Meeting.
Ashington Town Forum (NCC)
Sets out the terms for collaboration between Ashington Town Council and Northumberland County Council.
CCTV Liaison Group
Defines the purpose, membership, and responsibilities of the CCTV Liaison Meeting.
Climate Change Committee
Sets out the remit and membership of the Climate and Environment working group.
Finance and General Services Committee
Defines the scope and membership of the Finance and General Services Committee.
Partnership Board
Sets out the purpose, membership, and terms of engagement for the Partnership Board.
Personnel Committee
Defines the remit, membership, and responsibilities of the Personnel Committee.
Youth Advisory Committee
Sets out the purpose and structure of the Youth Advisory Committee and how it feeds into Council decisions.
