In performing our statutory duties, members of the GCC must uphold the following seven principles of public life (the Nolan principles) This is what we were told during our training. I wanted to ask why the old council members had not seen them
Selflessness
Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
Appendix I
Competencies for the chairmen and members of the Council’s regulatory committees
Introduction
In order for the Council, the public, and the profession to feel confident in the consistency in investigation, hearing and determination of complaints against chiropractors, it is necessary to have clear benchmarks for the effective performance of chairs and members of the Investigating, Professional Conduct and Health Committees. The following competencies have been developed to serve as those benchmarks.
Definition of competency
A competency is a statement that reflects a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes designed to depict what an individual needs for effective performance of a particular role.
Competency levels
Each competency is divided into elements, which are described at two levels.
Level One applies to all members of the Council’s regulatory committees (including those chairing the respective committees).
In addition to Level One, Level Two applies specifically to individuals chairing the above committees.
Competency types
1 Application of relevant legislation
2 Understanding of committee function in providing expertise in public protection
3 Working in a collaborative and professional manner
4 Reaching decisions fairly
5 Communication and conduct during hearing
6 Leadership of the committee and proceedings
COMPETENCY 1 : APPLICATION OF RELEVANT LEGISLATION
Level One
1.1 Demonstrates knowledge of, and adherence with, the legal and procedural frameworks which govern the functions of the committee
1.2 Participates in balanced decision making, based on the elicited facts and taking account of any relevant guidance produced for registrants
1.3 Formulates clearly reasoned decisions based upon the legislative framework and relevant documents published by the Council
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Level Two
1.4 Refers to Legal Assessor for legal and/or procedural advice where applicable and appropriate
1.5 Ensures that the committee remains focused upon the key issues
COMPETENCY 2 : UNDERSTANDS COMMITTEE FUNCTION IN PUBLIC PROTECTION AND FAIR HEARINGS
Level One
2.1 Displays an understanding of allegations and seeks appropriate points of clarification
2.2 Asks fair and relevant questions in relation to the allegations and evidence presented
2.3 Uses personal and clinical expertise to explore issues in relation to allegations, inform questions and discussion
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Level Two
2.4 Ensures that all of the committee members are given the opportunity to address relevant questions and, where necessary, to share information and ideas
COMPETENCY 3 : WORKING IN A COLLABORATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL MANNER
Level One
3.1 Treats all people with equal respect
3.2 Upholds confidentiality and remains discreet at all times
3.3 Demonstrates a calm and non-confrontational manner, even in the face of provocation
3.4 Shows a willingness to give and receive constructive feedback and to learn from others
3.5 Shows appropriate concern for distressed parties and witnesses
3.6 Makes fair and effective use of adjournments and best use of available resources
3.7 Demonstrates at all times a level of sensitivity which reflects the serious nature of proceedings
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Level Two
3.8 Draws upon the maximum contribution of individual committee members and Legal Assessor
3.9 Appropriately challenges discriminatory views
3.10 Gains the confidence of all parties
COMPETENCY 4 : REACHING DECISIONS FAIRLY
Level One
4.1 Actively and constructively participates in decision making, observing the rules of evidence
4.2 Provides comprehensive reasons for outcomes
4.3 Accepts responsibility for decisions reached
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Level Two
4.4 Guides the committee through each stage of the decision making process
4.5 Makes sure discussion in retiring room is purposeful and relevant
4.6 Ensures all procedures are observed and that decisions are reached by vote
4.7 Delivers the committee’s decision and reasons in a clear, concise, authoritative and timely manner
COMPETENCY 5 : COMMUNICATION AND CONDUCT DURING HEARING
Level One
5.1 Listens attentively to all parties
5.2 Accurately and concisely records relevant points from written or oral evidence and subsequent discussion
5.3 Asks fair and pertinent questions confidently using plain language
5.4 Exhibits impartial facial expression, body language and gestures
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Level Two
5.5 Clearly explains procedures to all parties, and specifies what is expected during and after the proceedings
5.6 Together with legal assessor provides guidance to respondents, particularly when unrepresented
COMPETENCY 6: LEADERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE AND PROCEEDINGS
Level Two
6.1 Establishes rapport with committee members in an authoritative, open and participative style
6.2 Clearly explains procedures to all parties, and specifies what is expected during and after the proceedings
6.3 Maintains firm and effective control
6.4 Provides sufficient opportunity for all of the committee to address relevant questions and express individual opinions
6.5 Intervenes when there is inappropriate behaviour of any committee member, representative, respondent or member of the public
6.6 Reviews practices and procedures and reports areas for improvement
6.7 Provides constructive feedback to the appropriate members of Council staff
6.8 Participates in training of new panellists and members
6.9 Manages the unexpected