User:Crointel/Independent Network

The Independent Network is a United Kingdom based association that provides support to independent political candidates who are not members of traditional political parties.

The Independent Network consists of independent representatives in European, national, regional and local government, and independent candidates or prospective candidates whom the Independent Network supports.

The Independent Network does not impose any political views on the individuals it supports, or that support the Independent Network. However, affiliates of the association must be non-discriminatory and adhere to the recommendations of The Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Code of Practice
The Independent Network promotes a Code of Practice that all members must agree to in order to become a part of the association.

The rules of Independent Network's Code of Practice are as follows:


 * Independent MPs will abide by the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by Lord Nolan in 1995: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.


 * Independent MPs will make the practice of honest politics their highest priority. They will be answerable not to any party or pressure group, but only to their constituents and their consiences. Their expenses will be modest and transparent.


 * Independent MPs will choose one of their number as their parliamentary leader, but will have no whip. They will operate as a group, but not as a party.


 * Independent MPs will have the same aspiration as party MPs to membership of the House of Commons select committees.


 * Independent MPs will resist abuses of power and patronage by the Executive and work to restore the reputation of the House of Commons as the free Parliament of a free people.


 * Independent MPs will have a life outside of politics. They will have real world experience outside politics before seeking election to the House of Commons.


 * Independent MPs will not engage in 'Punch and Judy' politics. They will treat political opponents at all times with respect and courtesy.

Organization
The Network focuses more on individual members than a pyramidal organizational structure. A three person executive committee oversees the Network, and is mostly used to pass motions that affect the whole of the Network rather than specific members. The committee ensures that the Code of Practice is upheld, but does not curtail members' expression of their own policies. There is no other organizational structure and members can freely contact one another to exchange information, experiences and obtain advice and guidance. Unofficially, certain members, in particular those with long political experience, tend to be considered slightly more senior to other members, but this is due to individual members' preference, not built into the system.

Services
The Network provides independent candidates with support necessary for successful campaigning:


 * The Network assists candidates with administrative and legal requirements necessary for election purposes. It help independent candidates set up on their own, or alternatively register and maintain a registered political party for independents.


 * The Network maintains a list of guidelines on best practice regarding campaigning, fundraising, public relations and appropriate usage of the Internet.


 * The Network performs Public opinion and policy research and organizes a central forum for debate and discussion.

The Network also provides support to already elected members:


 * The Network maintains a central resource for networking with other elected Independent Network affiliates nationally.


 * The Network shares best practice policies, knowledge and experience on delivering policy objectives.