Staffordshire County Council has proposed a new dress code for councillors when attending civic or public events.
The guidelines were presented in a meeting of the local authority’s Audit and Standards Committee on Tuesday, with the council being recommended to update its Procedural Standing Orders and adopt the suggested changes.
According to the meeting report, the code applies to councillors while attending meetings and civic events, as well as in ‘in public or official capacities’ when representing the council.
‘It aims to promote a professional image while respecting individual circumstances and diversity’, the report confirms.
As part of the smart casual clothing requirements, the dress code categorises the following items as ‘unacceptable attire’:
- Sportswear (including tracksuits, football shirts)
- Shorts (except for medical reasons)
- Clothing, with slogans or political messaging (e.g. on lanyards, badges and rosettes, flags)
- Hats or caps (except for religious or medical reasons)
The report argues that councillors clothing should wear clothing that ‘reflects the dignity of their role and their position in representing all of their constituents’.
However, it highlights that reasonable adjustments will be made in respect of health or disability-related needs and religious or cultural dress requirements.
The council has agreed to recommend the changes for discussion at the full council meeting next Thursday.
