Evaluations of governance arrangements
A number of councils in England have, in recent years, sought to review their formal governance arrangements – in particular, evaluating whether they should adopt the committee system form of governance.
As the acknowledged national experts on this form of governance transition, we have provided advice and guidance to over twenty councils on this – ranging from speaking at public meetings to explain changes, to providing expert evidence to member panels, all the way through to actively facilitating member discussions and helping to design new systems.
A move to a committee system form of governance is a not a “return” to an old way of working – it is an opportunity to think differently about how and why this model might be designed to be fit for the 21st century. We can help to manage political tensions to identify consensus where none previously seemed possible.
Much more can be found in our publication “Rethinking governance for the 20s” (November 2020).
If you want to discuss the potential for us to provide support to your authority on this issue, contact Ed Hammond at ed.hammond@cfgs.org.uk.
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About the Author: Ed Hammond
Ed leads CfGS's work on devolution, transformation and on support to councils and other public bodies on governance and accountability.
