Justin GriggsHead of Policy & Development

SWLCA Regional Conference, Wednesday 30 April 2014

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE – UPDATE ON REVIEW OF QUALITY PARISHES SCHEME

@justingriggswww.nalc.gov.ukjustin.griggs@nalc.gov.ukwhatnextforlocalism.orgslideshare.net/justingriggsflickr.com/justinhgriggsnalcjustin.wordpress.com

WORKSHOP CONTENTS

- previous & current scheme- the review- draft revised proposals

….FEEDBACK WELCOME!

QUALITY PARISHES SCHEME

- Rural White Paper 2000- launched in 2003- aimed at providing benchmark minimum standards of practice- NALC, SLCC, Defra, DCLG, LGA & CA/CRC- accreditation by peers at local level- charters with principal authorities- 1000 councils at height

QPS TESTS 2003

- electoral mandate- qualified clerk- council meetings- communications- accounts- code of conduct

QPS TESTS 2008

- electoral mandate- qualified clerk- council meetings- communications and community engagement- promoting local democracy and citizenship- accounts- code of conduct- terms and conditions- training

THE REVIEW

- agreed revise scheme in 2012- detailed survey/consultation- stakeholder group proposals- further consultation with county associations in 2013- stakeholder group consideration October 2013- new Improvement and Development Board January 2014- revised proposals- spring/summer launch?

RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION

- little support for re-visiting original review or strategic outcomes- consistent standards balanced against diversity of councils- proposals too complicated- benefits and incentives should be clearer- arguments, conflicting views and response

REVISED PROPOSALS 1

- the local council flag scheme- three tiers/standards- recognises council performance, demonstrates credibility and provides framework for development- potential to attract greater resources and stronger voice in local government

REVISED PROPOSALS 2

aims of the scheme are to:

- set benchmarks for standards of good practice and excellence- recognise achievements and celebrate excellence- facilitate consistent standards while recognising diversity- encourage continuous improvement to raise standards

REVISED PROPOSALS 3

- foundation standard demonstrates the council meets minimum standards for operating lawfully and according to standard practice

FOUNDATION STANDARD

The council confirms by resolution at a full council meeting that it publishes on a website: - standing orders and financial regulations- Code of Conduct and a link to councillors’ registers of interests- publication scheme- last annual return- calendar of all meetings includingthe annual meeting of electors- Minutes for at least twelve months of full council meetings, finance committee meetings (if appropriate) and current agendas

FOUNDATION STANDARD

- budget and precept information for the current or next financial year- council contact details- complaints procedure- action plan for the current year- evidence of consulting the community- information on council activities (other than in the minutes)- evidence of participating in the planning system

FOUNDATION STANDARD

- budget and precept information for the current or next financial year- council contact details- complaints procedure- action plan for the current year- evidence of consulting the community- information on council activities (other than in the minutes)- evidence of participating in the planning system

FOUNDATION STANDARD

The council also confirms by resolution at a full council meeting that it has:

- contracts for all members of staff-disciplinary and grievance procedures- a policy for training new staff and councillors- a record of all training undertaken by staff and councillors in the last twelve months- a qualified clerk or a clerk registered for a recognised qualification

REVISED PROPOSALS 4

- quality standard demonstrates the council achieves a benchmark for good governance, effective community engagement and council improvement

QUALITY STANDARD

The council confirms by resolution at a full council meeting that it meets all requirements for the Foundation Standard and also publishes on its website:

- Transparent information about payments- Draft minutes of all council and committee meetings by two weeks after the last meeting- A community engagement policy ensuring two-way communication between the council and its community- Councillor profiles- A grant awarding policy- Evidence showing how electors contribute to the Annual Parish or Town Meeting

QUALITY STANDARD

- An action plan that clearly responds to community engagement and includes a timetable for action including dates for reviewing the action plan- An annual report, web material and at least four news bulletins a year containing evidence of community engagement, council activities and promoting democratic processes- Evidence of helping the community plan for its future

QUALITY STANDARD

The council also confirms by resolution at a full council meeting that it has:

- at least two-thirds of its councillors are elected- a printed annual report is distributed widely across the community- a register of the council’s assets- a risk management scheme linked to insurance and Health & Safety- a qualified clerk- a clerk, and if relevant a deputy or assistant clerk, employed according to the nationally agreed Terms and Conditions- a formal appraisal process in place for all staff- a training policy and record for all staff and councillors

REVISED PROPOSALS 5

- gold standard demonstrates the council is at the forefront of best practice and achieves an excellent standard in governance, community leadership and performance management

GOLD STANDARD

The council confirms by resolution at a full council meeting that it meets all requirements for the Foundation and Quality Standards and also publishes on its website:

- A business plan covering a financial forecast for at least three years linked to plans for the council and its community- Policies related to Health & Safety and Equality - An annual report, web material and at least four news bulletins a year containing evidence of engaging with diverse groups in the community using a variety of methods- community engagement leading to positive outcomes for the community- a broad range of council activities including innovative projectsco-operating constructively with other organisations

GOLD STANDARD

The council also confirms by resolution at a full council meeting, that it has prepared statements (of no more than one page each) to be presented to the accreditation panel showing how it:

- Meets its duty to uphold standards of behaviour in public life and manages conflict- Meets its duties in relation to bio-diversity and crime & disorder- Provides leadership in planning for the future of the community- Consults with service users and partners to ensure effective local action- Manages the performance of the council as a corporate body and of each individual staff member and councillor to achieve its business plan

ACCREDITATION PROCESS

- peer review and accreditation panel- registration with NALC- panel run by county association(s)- pool of panel members- online/electronic assessment and minimal meetings- accreditation for 4 years, maintain standards throughout- quality assurance by IDB

NEXT STEPS...

- consideration by IDB- more consultation?- launch spring/summer- launch event (with LGA?)- training/support for accreditation panels

QUESTIONS FOR YOU...

- name of scheme- titles of tiers- strategic aims- outline content of tiers

….to help us develop a scheme the sector will support and champion

@justingriggswww.nalc.gov.ukjustin.griggs@nalc.gov.ukwhatnextforlocalism.orgslideshare.net/justingriggsflickr.com/justinhgriggsnalcjustin.wordpress.com