What is Corporate Governance?
South Lakeland District Council has accepted the definition of
Corporate Governance as stated within CIPFA/SOLACE framework, as
follows:-
"Governance is about how local government bodies ensure that
they do the right things, in the right way, for the right people in
a timely, inclusive, open, honest and accountable manner.
It comprises the systems and processes and culture and values
by which local government bodies are directed and controlled and
through which they account to, engage with and, where appropriate,
lead their communities."
How does South Lakeland District Council ensure its systems are
effective and up-to-date?
Each year the Council reviews the effectiveness of its
governance arrangements and its systems of internal control. The
Audit Committee undertakes this review on behalf of the Council and
where it is considered systems or procedures do not meet the
requirements of the Local Code of Corporate Governance, an action
plan is drawn up to address any issues. The Council produces this
Annual Governance Statement each year and publishes it with the
final accounts.
The Code
- Focusing on the purpose of the authority and on outcomes for
the community and creating and implementing a vision for the local
area.
- Members and officers working together to achieve a common
purpose with clearly defined functions and roles.
- Promoting values for the authority and demonstrating the values
of good governance through upholding high standards of conduct and
behaviour.
- Taking informed and transparent decisions which are subject to
effective scrutiny and managing risk.
- Developing the capacity and capability of members and officers
to be effective.
- Engaging with local people and other stakeholders to ensure
robust public accountability.
Continuing commitment
Council is committed to the principles of good corporate
governance and has confirmed its ongoing commitment and intentions
through the development, adoption and continued maintenance of this
Code.
South Lakeland District Council's "Local Code of Corporate
Governance", therefore sets out and describes the Council's
commitment to corporate governance, and identifies the arrangements
that have been made, and indeed will continue to be made, to ensure
its ongoing effective implementation and application in all aspects
of the Councils work.