4. Taking informed and transparent decisions which are subject to effective scrutiny and managing risk

Supporting principles: being rigorous and transparent about how decisions are taken and listening and acting on the outcome of constructive scrutiny

The Council is required to: develop and maintain an effective Scrutiny function which encourages constructive challenge and enhances the authority’s performance overall and that of any organisation for which it is responsible

We will do this through the following:

Scrutiny Panel reports, minutes and working group papers

The Council is required to: develop and maintain open and effective mechanisms for documenting evidence for decisions and recording the criteria, rationale and considerations on which decisions are based

We will do this through the following:

Decision-making protocols
Record of decision making and supporting materials

The Council is required to: put in place arrangements to safeguard members and employees against conflicts of interest and put in place appropriate processes to ensure that they continue to operate in practice

We will do this through the following:

Codes of Conduct
Declaration of interest protocols

The Council is required to: develop and maintain an effective Audit Committee which is independent of the Executive and Scrutiny functions or make other appropriate arrangements for the discharge of the functions of such a committee

We will do this through the following:

Governance and Audit Committee terms of reference
Annual review of the effectiveness of the Governance and Audit Committee and Annual Report
Training Development Plan for members and officers

The Council is required to: ensure that effective, transparent and accessible arrangements are in place for dealing with complaints

We will do this through the following:

Customer feedback system
You Said, We Did
Report of Ombudsmen findings

Supporting principle: having good quality information, advice and support to ensure that services are delivered effectively and are what the community wants / needs

The Council is required to: ensure that those making decisions whether for the Authority or the partnership are provided with information that is fit for the purpose – relevant, timely and gives clear explanations of technical issues and their implications

We will do this through the following:

Report template
Approved procedures and policies
Member / Officer protocol
Partnership Framework

The Council is required to: ensure that proper professional advice on matters that have legal and financial implications is available and recorded well in advance of decision making and used appropriately

We will do this through the following:

Use of ‘legal’ and ‘financial’ implications in report

Supporting principle: ensuring that an effective risk management system is in place

The Council is required to: ensure that risk management is embedded into the culture of the authority, with members and managers at all levels recognising that risk management is part of their jobs

We will do this through the following:

Risk Management Strategy
Risk Management Process
Up to date risk register
Governance Board

The Council is required to: ensure that effective arrangements for whistleblowing are in place to which officers, staff and all those contracting with or appointed by the authority have access

We will do this through the following:

Whistleblowing Code
Core values and priorities

Supporting principle: using their legal powers to the full benefit of the citizens and communities in their area

The Council is required to: actively recognise the limits of lawful activity placed on them by, for example, the ultra vires doctrine but also strive to utilise their powers to the full benefit of their communities

We will do this through the following:

Constitution
Monitoring Officer provision
Section 151 provision
Standing Orders

The Council is required to: recognise the limits of lawful action and observe both the specific requirements of legislation and the general responsibilities placed on authorities by public law

We will do this through the following:

Monitoring Officer provision

The Council is required to: observe all specific legislative requirements placed upon them, as well as the requirements of general law, and in particular to integrate the key principles of administrative law - rationality, legality and natural justice - into their procedures and decision making process

We will do this through the following: