Governance

Standing Orders set out how any Parish Council conducts its business. They cover such matters as timing and conduct of meetings, financial management, complaints procedure etc. Some are compulsory but others are discretionary.

Please click the link below for full details. 

Standing Orders for Ashfield-cum-Thorpe Parish Council - adopted 12th May 2025

Financial Regulations for Ashfield-cum-Thorpe Parish Council - adopted 12th May 2025

Ashfield-cum-Thorpe Parish Council Risk Assessment 2025/2026 - reviewed and re-adopted 8th October 2025

Ashfield-cum-Thorpe Parish Council Statement of Internal Control 2025/2026 - reviewed and re-adopted 8th October 2025

Listed below are additional published policies and procedures that the Parish Council has formally adopted:

Bring Your Own Device/Email Communication Policy - adopted 11th March 2026

Environmental Policy - reviewed and re-adopted 12th May 2025

IT & Email Usage Policy - adopted 8th October 2025

Freedom of Information Schedule of Fees - reviewed and re-adopted 12th May 2025

Freedom of Information Policy - reviewed and re-adopted 12th May 2025

Health & Safety Policy - reviewed and re-adopted 8th October 2025

Privacy (Data Protection) Notice - reviewed and re-adopted 14th July 2025

Travel & Expenses Policy - adopted 14th July 2025

 

Code of Conduct

Ashfield-cum-Thorpe Parish Councillors are required to comply with the Local Government Association Councillor Code of Conduct. 

The six principles of public life identified within the code are:

  • *  Selflessness
  • *  Integrity
  • *  Objectivity
  • *  Accountability
  • *  Openness
  • *  Honesty
  • *  Leadership.

A copy of the code can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Councillor Code of Conduct - reviewed and re-adopted July 2025

Ashfield-cum-Thorpe Parish Council Certificate of Public Liability 2025-2026

Ashfield-cum-Thorpe Parish Council Certificate of Employers Liability 2025-2026

Transparency Code 2015

Transparency for Authorities with a turnover of under £25K

Transparency gives local people the tools and information they need to hold local public bodies into account.  In 2015 changes were made to meet the government’s desire to place more power into citizens’ hands to increase democratic accountability resulting in The Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities.  It requires data and information to be published on a website which is publicly accessible and free of charge.

The framework also meant that smaller authorities, like local councils, with an annual turnover not exceeding £25,000 could exempt themselves from routine external audit.

While there is no specific Code for councils with a turnover between £25,000 and £200,000, NALC strongly encourage all parish and town councils to adhere to the transparency code for smaller authorities as a minimum. The Government however, have said that they are expected to follow the requirements of the Transparency Code 2015 (over £200k) where possible.

Local government transparency code 2015 – GOV.UK