#SWLCA Regional Conference, Wednesday 30 April 2014 - Standards of practice: Update on review of...
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Transcript of #SWLCA Regional Conference, Wednesday 30 April 2014 - Standards of practice: Update on review of...
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