THE chief executive of BCP Council has written to all councillors to tighten safeguards over potential conflicts of interest in their business affairs.

Graham Farrant does not want elected members contacting or meeting officers about their private business activities or work without speaking to him first.

He tells them: “I can then ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place so that any risk of a conflict of interest (actual or perceived) is minimised.”

This is likely to include ensuring that a senior staff member such as himself, service director, the monitoring officer or the Section 151 officer is present.

Mr Farrant told the Echo: “I identified a gap in our procedures in this area and this letter to all councillors was intended to deal with that. Councillors and officers who attend any such meetings need to understand clearly where their role as councillor stops and where their work interest starts.”

Mr Farrant in his letter said areas of potential conflict “may include circumstances where you are already required to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest, or a local interest, as well as situations which do not require those disclosures.”

He says: “I ask you to give particular consideration to your interactions with the council, where you are acting in any capacity outside of your duties as a councillor and for which you may receive any remuneration or reward other than your allowance from the council."

“Understandable confusion or potential conflict can arise between your work and your role as councillor, whether that conflict is actual or perceived. It is, therefore, essential that we maintain the correct balance in this relationship.”

Mr Farrant said he wanted all councillors to follow his procedures.

“This will ensure that we continue to build confidence in the council and the strength of our governance,” he adds.

When he was appointed as BCP Council’s first chief executive, Mr Farrant said he would ensure the highest ethical standards of probity and governance.

It is understood concerns were raised last month over a meeting between a councillor and a developer over a key site in Bournemouth.

Mr Farrant said: “I can confirm that I identified an occasion where the officers had not put sufficient safeguards in place.

"Having now issued guidance to both members and officers, I am confident that the procedures in this area have been effectively put in place and communicated.”