Ways of Working

We are grateful to Flatpack Democracy for giving us the tools to reclaim local democracy in a way that’s respectful, compassionate, and carried out with integrity.  In the absence of a shared political position or creed, we agree to adopt a shared approach to ways of working so that our work together is guided by our values.

We will adhere to our values by challenging ourselves and each other to:

• Avoid identifying ourselves so personally with a particular position that this in itself excludes constructive debate.
• Being prepared to be swayed by the arguments of others and admitting mistakes.
• Be willing and able to participate in rational debate leading to a conclusion.
• Understand the value of constructive debate.
• Accept that you win some, you lose some; it’s usually nothing personal and there’s really no point in taking defeats to heart.
• Maintain confidentially where requested and agree when it will be expected.
• Share leadership and responsibility and take time to communicate the intention of, and the approach to, the work we undertake.
• Have confidence in, and adhere to, the mechanisms and processes of decision-making that we establish, accepting that the decisions of the majority are paramount.
• Sustain an intention to involve each other and others rather than working in isolation.
• Trust and have confidence and optimism in other people’s expertise, knowledge and intentions.
• Talk to each other not about each other.