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).