Policy Statement
The Code of Conduct Policy is intended to guide elected officials in conducting their business in accordance with the Foundational Principles.

Foundational Principles

• Integrity: Members are keepers of the public trust and must uphold the highest standards of ethical behaviour. Members are expected to act lawfully, be free from undue influence, and make decisions that benefit the community.
• Accountability: Members are trusted to act competently, diligently, and responsibly. Members must be held accountable for their actions and decisions.
• Leadership: Members must demonstrate and promote the key principles of the Code of Conduct through their decisions, actions, and behaviour. Their behaviour must build and inspire public trust and confidence in local government.
• Respect: Members must conduct public business efficiently, with decorum, and with proper attention to the local government’s diversity. They must treat fellow members and others with respect at all times.
• Openness: Members must conduct their duties in an open and transparent manner, except where it conflicts with their duties to protect confidential information.
• Collaboration: The social fabric of communities and the well-being of residents depends on solid and sustainable community partnerships. Members shall seek to collaborate whenever possible and where appropriate.

Code of Conduct Policy
Elected Official Code of Conduct Policy

Related Bylaws and Policies
Board Procedures Bylaw
Board Remuneration, Expenses and Benefits Bylaw
Communications Policy
Conflict of Interest Policy
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw
Records Management Policy
Social Media Policy

Investigation Summary Reports
July 4, 2024, Code of Conduct Summary Report

Policy Development
On January 12, 2023, RDOS Directors, Elected Officials from member municipalities, and staff attended a code of conduct workshop. During the workshop, elected officials expressed interest in pursuing a regional code of conduct policy. This led to the creation of a working group consisting of corporate officers from the RDOS and all six member municipalities. After review and feedback from the regional Chief Administrative Officer’s group, the working group provided a draft Code of Conduct Policy to Young Anderson for review. Having conducted multiple reviews for other local governments around B.C., Young Anderson provided a revised Elected Official Code of Conduct Policy which was subsequently adopted by the RDOS, the Village of Keremeos, the Town of Osoyoos, the City of Penticton, and the Town of Princeton, making it the first sub-regional code of conduct policy in B.C.