Behaving with integrity, demonstrating strong commitment to ethical values and respecting the rule of law is demonstrated through:

Members' Code of Conduct and Registers of Interests — a local Code of Conduct for all Members is in place and a Register of Financial Interests for each Member is published on the Authority's website.

Core Code of Ethics for Fire & Rescue Services — the Authority has adopted the Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services in England, which was developed in partnership by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the Local Government Association and the Association of Police Crime Commissioners. Authority members and staff have received external training from IODA relating to organisational culture.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Plan — sets out the Authority's commitment to being an inclusive organisation which recognises the diverse backgrounds, beliefs and needs of our staff and the communities we serve.

Code of Conduct for Staff and Register of Staff Interests — requires employees to perform their duties with honesty, integrity, impartiality and objectivity. Whistleblowing Policy — in place for receiving and investigating complaints from staff and/or contractors.

Whistleblowing Policy — in place for receiving and investigating complaints from staff and/or contractors.

Independent Staff Reporting Line — The Authority has implemented an independent and confidential reporting line for staff concerns using ‘Safecall’ 0800 915 1571 / www.safecall.co.uk/hwfrs.

Complaints Systems — in place for receiving and investigating complaints from the public. Anyone who feels unable to raise their concern via use the complaints process can alternatively contact Safecall as above. A procedure is also in place for complaints relating to alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct by Members.

Monitoring Officer — provides advice on the scope of the powers and responsibilities of the Authority. The Monitoring Officer has a statutory duty to ensure lawfulness and fairness of decision making and to receive allegations of breaches of the Code of Conduct by Authority Members.