Civility and Respect has been put back on Midsomer Norton Town Councils agenda, with the Finance and Operations Committee considering a Councillor Officer Protocol.

The purpose of this Protocol is to "build and maintain good working relationships between councillors and officers as they work together", describing how a "strong, constructive, and trusting relationship between councillors and officers is essential to the effective and efficient working of the council".

The protocol builds on the Town Council's existing Code of Conduct, although it is unclear why councillors should need an additional reminder that their relationships with officers "should be conducted in a positive and constructive way".

The document explains that the "Protocol is intended to assist councillors and officers, in approaching some of the sensitive circumstances which arise in a challenging working environment", implying that professional working relationships may not have been "characterised by mutual trust, respect and courtesy" in the past.

Historically, Norton Radstock Town Council was beset with staffing problems, culminating in its dissolution and the creation of Midsomer Norton Town Council.

However, the staff concerns then returned in January 2023, with the resignation of the then Town Clerk, Donna Ford and her Deputy, Amanda Hazell.

Not only does the Protocol clarify the expectations councillors and Council officers should have for each other's conduct, it also sets out the correct procedure for communication, the inspection of council documents and dealing with the press, stating that "The chair may act as spokespersons for the council in responding to the press and media and making public statements on behalf of the council but should liaise with the officer on all forms of contact with the press and media".