Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance seeking Members’ consideration for the Corporate Governance Working Group (CGWG) to begin work on constitutional changes and arrangements associated with, and arising from implementation of the current Transformation Programme.

Members were advised how implementation of the organisational changes arising from the Ignite Future Council Model project would impact on the Council’s corporate governance arrangements.  As part of this the Council would also need to review its Committee structure to provide a basis for clear and effective decision-making.  The CGWG had a general terms of reference provided by the Council but it was felt that given the timelines associated with the Transformation Programme it would be prudent for the Working Group to start work on this.

The report also sought approval of delegated powers to allow Officers to update the Scheme of Delegation and associated Proper Officer appointments to reflect the impending internal functional responsibility changes.

Councillor A S Fluker proposed that recommendations (i), (iii) and (iv) as set out in the report be agreed and that a further recommendation be added requesting that a report be brought back to the Council in February on the proposed new structure of Committees.  He further proposed in respect of recommendation (ii) that the existing membership of the CGWG be considered sufficient for this purpose.  These proposals were duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)              That the Corporate Governance Working Group be instructed to commence work in line with its existing terms of reference to consider and report on a committee structure and associated governance arrangements including constitutional documentation and report back to the Council;

(ii)            That the Council considers the existing membership of the Corporate Government Working Group is sufficient for this purpose;

(iii)          That the Council agrees the principle of working towards the provision of a new Constitution to become fully effective in October 2019;

(iv)           That the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance be authorised to update the Scheme of Delegation and associated Proper Officer appointments to reflect the impending internal functional responsibility changes, realigning the existing constitutional powers to the new Directors, as part of the on-going Transformation Programme so that effective decision making can continue in the interim up to October 2019[1];

(v)             That a report on the proposed Committee structure and related matters be brought back to the February meeting of the Council.