Topic: Constitutions and formal governance
An authority’s constitution is central to its formal governance arrangements. First and foremost it is a rulebook setting out how things like decision-making and accountability should work. But it also provides a framework for relationships and a way to build and embed the kinds of behaviours and attitudes that contribute to a strong governance culture.
This section contains commentary on constitutions generally as well as technical guidance on their review and redrafting. It also contains material setting out options for governance change by local authorities (eg councils using their power to adopt the committee system form of governance).
Devon & Somerset Combined Fire Authority
Governance effectiveness review, in the light of the fire governance modernisation agenda from central Government.
Rethinking governance change for the 20s
An update to the CfPS/LGA publication “Rethinking governance” (2014). A separate appendix is available which provides more details on the experience of individual councils embarking on governance change. You can find this here: Rethinking Governance Appendix (This publication received a minor update in January 2021 to add detail on the exact provisions relating to governance […]
Rethinking governance for the 20s: appendix
This is an appendix to the CfGS publication “Rethinking governance for the 20s”, which is a new edition of the 2014 CfPS/LGA publication “Rethinking governance”, on the subject of governance change in local authorities in England. This appendix sets out as comprehensive as possible a list of examples of English councils changing their governance arrangements, […]
“Docking-in”: making traditional governance fit for purpose in a hyper-localist world
More councils are starting to experiment with different forms of decision-making. The emergence of mutual aid networks at the outset of the pandemics – agile, highly local, groups of neighbours getting together at street level to offer immediate help to the vulnerable – contrasts unfavourably with the lumbering setup of the national, NHS-led volunteering scheme. […]
Storengy UK
Design and implementation of a Responsible Business Board to ensure transparency, oversight and guidance on business activity affecting the local community, employees and business network.
London and Quadrant Housing
A housing association model for resident voice and role in affecting decision-making and policy.
Suma Wholefoods Co-operative
Example of how tailored training and development for a Member Council and Board led to a joint action plan that strengthened the organisation’s collaborative governance.
Reviewing governance, reviewing the constitution
A lot of councils fairly regularly conduct reviews of their constitution. Your council may be one of them. You might do them in-house (your Monitoring Officer or Head of Governance may lead) or you may bring in an external provider – a law firm for example. Getting qualified legal support on something like this is […]
Diocese of London
A governance review to integrate survivor and victim perspectives into the Diocese of London’s safeguarding strategy.
London Borough of Croydon
A local council governance review, with significant impact in formal governance arrangements and how backbenchers and the public are involved in decision-making.