Achieving good corporate governance

Achieving good corporate governance

Corporate governance explains how we make decisions, manage resources, and stay accountable to you and the wider community.

What governance means

Governance is how we make sure we do the right things, in the right way, for the right people.

This means acting in a timely, open and honest way, using clear systems, processes and shared values.

These help us lead effectively, work with communities, and stay accountable.

Corporate governance in public organisations supports:

• clear decision making
• strong leadership
• high ethical standards
• a focus on public service

Our corporate governance code

Our Code of Corporate Governance sets out how we work and how we review our performance.

It is based on seven principles:

• act with integrity: be honest and follow ethical values
• engage with stakeholders: work openly with communities and partners
• focus on outcomes: deliver long-term economic, social and environmental benefits
• make effective decisions: take clear actions to achieve results
• build leadership: develop the skills of councillors and staff
• manage risks and finances: control risks and protect public money
• ensure accountability: report clearly and support auditing

Each principle links to how we deliver our services and meet our goals.

Guidance and framework

Annual governance statement

We publish an Annual Governance Statement each year.

This report explains how we meet our governance standards, how we review performance, and what improvements we plan.

This is a legal requirement under the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2015.

Internal controls and risk management

Internal controls are essential for good governance.

They help us:

• deliver services efficiently
• follow laws and regulations
• manage finances responsibly
• maintain high standards

We regularly review these controls to improve how we work.

Our governance structure

Our Governance Assurance Framework explains how governance works across the council.

It sets out the roles of officers, councillors and committees, and how decisions are made and reviewed.

The Code of Corporate Governance (pdf format 275KB) brings together key documents that support this structure.

The Audit and Governance Committee approves the code and reviews it each year to keep it up to date.