Fire Authority code of conduct and complaints about Members

In accordance with the Localism Act 2011, the Authority has adopted a code of conduct.

Code of conduct

If you need these documents in a different format please contact the Clerk to the Authority.

If you believe a Member has breached the code then you can make a complaint. The complaint should be made in writing to:

The Clerk to the Authority
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority
Service Headquarters
The Knowle
Clyst St. George
Exeter 
EX3 0NW

Email: membercomplaints@dsfire.gov.uk

Please note that this process only applies to allegations that a Member of the Fire Authority may have failed to follow the code of conduct. It will not deal with complaints about things that are not covered by the code of conduct.

If you wish to make a complaint about the Service or an employee then you should refer to our general complaints process. 

Privacy notice

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Why we collect and use this information

To fully investigate allegations that a named Member or named Members of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority (the Authority) may have breached the Member Code of Conduct.

A “Member” is either:
(a).    a Councillor appointed by a constituent authority (Devon County Council, Somerset County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council) to serve on the Authority; or 
(b).    a Police and Crime Commissioner for the area, if so appointed by the Authority.

Type of data

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • Ethnicity
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Religion
  • Sexual orientation

Our lawful basis

We carry out the processing of personal data by a public authority in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

  • UK GDPR Article 6 (1)(e) - Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.
  • UK GDPR Article 9 (2)(b) - Processing is necessary for the purposes of carrying out the obligations and exercising the specific rights of the controller or the data subject in the field of employment and social security and social protection law in so far as it is authorised by domestic law. DSFRS has an obligation to have in place arrangements to investigate and make decisions regarding allegations or breaches of the Members Code of Conduct as stated in the Localism Act 2011 Chapter 7, Section 28, Subsections 6, 7 and 9.

Information sharing

In accordance with the Members Code of Conduct Procedure for Dealing with Complaints and the Members Code of Conduct Guide to Making a Complaint, your data may be shared with the following people:

  • The Monitoring Officer
  • The Independent Person
  • Members of the Standards Committee
  • The Subject Member

You may request that your identifying information is withheld from The Subject Member and your request will be considered by the Monitoring Officer as stated in the Members Code of Conduct Guide to Making a Complaint.

How long it’s kept

In the event that your complaint is determined to be unfounded, your personal data will be held for a period of four years.

In the event that your complaint results in a sanction against the Subject Member and the publication of a Decision Notice, your personal data will be held for a period of seven years.

Your rights

Please see our Your Data Your Rights section for more information.