Debate contribution: Members' Code of Conduct and the Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members
Debate contribution by Ms Connie Egan on .
- MLA
- Ms Connie Egan
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 28 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Committee Business
- Heading
- Members' Code of Conduct and the Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5762448
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I will make some short remarks on the updated code of conduct and the unacceptable behaviours policy. As the Chairperson said, a considerable amount of work has gone into redrafting the policy. That involved the Committee, a cross-party working group of MLAs, stakeholders and those who work in the Building. It is important to be clear that, today, Members are not being asked to approve the unacceptable behaviours policy itself. As I said, the policy has been the subject of extensive work, and, Mr Speaker, you circulated it to MLAs last week. The motion is about ensuring that the code and the guide properly reflect the agreed policy insofar as it applies to complaints against MLAs.
The term "unacceptable behaviour" is particularly important. The policy now clarifies that:
"The term ... can be used to describe a range of behaviours that may have an adverse impact"
on people who work in this Building. It continues:
"this may include bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), and victimisation."
That is part of the code of behaviour that already covers MLAs in the Building, which includes showing respect; valuing everyone; being aware of your power, influence or authority and not abusing those positions; thinking about how your behaviour affects others and always striving to understand their perspectives; acting professionally towards others; speaking up about any unacceptable behaviour that you experience; and displaying the highest ethical standards of integrity, courtesy and mutual respect. That is extremely important. The amendments to the code do not create a new standards regime for Members; they simply clarify existing obligations and improve objectivity and confidentiality, as referred to in the agreed policy. Before I conclude, I will say that it was appropriate to change the name of the Standards and Privileges Committee, of which I am the vice chair. The technical update to rename it the "Committee on Standards" reflects more closely the role of the Committee in what it can adjudicate on.
324 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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