Dimension: 2.1.3 Code of conduct
This dimension concerns parliament’s code of conduct, which may either be a standalone document or be combined with other codes such as a code of ethics.
In many parliaments, the conduct of MPs is partly regulated by the rules of procedure, which usually address the maintaining of order in the plenary. However, there is a growing trend towards the explicit codification of acceptable standards of parliamentary behaviour and conduct in general in the form of a code of conduct.
Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. ’s code of conduct should be developed via an inclusive, transparent and consultative process, with the support of all political parties in parliament, and should be publicly available. All MPs should be required to accept the code of conduct upon taking office.
Depending on the jurisdiction, rules on the conduct of parliamentary staff, including senior officials such as the Secretary General Secretary General Typically the most senior permanent officer of parliament, who advises on procedure and records the decisions of the house. This person is also usually the administrative head of the parliamentary administration. In some institutions, the role of Secretary General and the responsibilities listed here may be performed by more than one individual or by several offices of jurisdiction. and Deputy Secretary General Secretary General Typically the most senior permanent officer of parliament, who advises on procedure and records the decisions of the house. This person is also usually the administrative head of the parliamentary administration. In some institutions, the role of Secretary General and the responsibilities listed here may be performed by more than one individual or by several offices of jurisdiction. , may be contained in the same code of conduct or in a separate code.
The code of conduct should establish clear, effective and fair rules of conduct, with mechanisms to ensure their enforcement in practice. It should clearly define the type of behaviour which constitutes an offence or misconduct and which may lead to a disciplinary process and sanctions. It should prohibit all forms of harassment – physical, sexual, economic, verbal, written and virtual – based on age, gender, ethnicity or any other personal characteristics.
Procedures for monitoring breaches of the code of conduct, for investigating whether misconduct has occurred and for sanctioning offenders should be clear, consistent and transparent.
See also Dimension 2.2.5: Professionalism of the parliamentary administration and Dimension 5.2.3: Combating sexism, harassment and violence
Aspiring goal
Assess your parliament against this dimension
Assessment criteria
No 1: Existence of a code of conduct
Parliament has adopted a clear and enforceable code of conduct, which sets out the expected standards of conduct for MPs. Every MP must formally accept the code of conduct at the beginning of their parliamentary mandate.
No 2: Support of all political groups
The code of conduct has been developed via an inclusive, transparent and consultative process, has the support of all political groups, and is publicly available.
No 3: Compliance
A designated body is tasked with overseeing compliance with the code of conduct, including receiving complaints, enforcing standards of conduct in parliament, and carrying out regular reviews and updates.
No 4: Training and guidance
Training is provided on the standards defined by the code, including induction training for new MPs. Guidance from the parliamentary administration is available to help MPs comply with the code.
How to complete this assessment
This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based.
The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:
- Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. ’s code of conduct
- A decision on the establishment of a conduct committee or similar designated body
- Information and records relating to the work of such a committee or body
Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.
Sources and further reading
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Recommended Benchmarks for Codes of Conduct applying to Members of Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. , 2016.
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Background Study: Professional and Ethical Standards for Parliamentarians (2012).
Get help with this assessment
The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators.
Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.
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