Issue - meetings

To consider the recommendation from the Corporate Policy Committee.

Consideration was given to the recommendation from the Corporate Policy Committee on 12 June 2025 in relation to the Officer Schemes of Delegation in the Constitution.

The revised and expanded officer Schemes of Delegation were aimed at improving clarity, consistency, and accountability in decision-making across the council departments. 

RESOLVED:  That Council

1               approve and adopt the new officer Schemes of Delegation, as set out in Appendices A to G to the report, to be incorporated into the Constitution at Chapter 2 Part 5 to replace the existing schemes and the revocation of all former officer schemes of delegation, including local or service specific schemes.

2        delegate authority to the Governance, Compliance and Monitoring Officer to make any minor necessary amendments to the Scheme of Delegation.

To review and recommend approval to Full Council revised officer Schemes of Delegation.

The Committee considered the report on the new officer schemes of delegation.

The revised and expanded officer schemes of delegation were aimed at improving clarity, consistency, and accountability in decision-making across council departments.

Concerns were raised about the lack of uniformity and that some of the schemes were too vague, listing multiple delegates without clarity. In response it was stated that each scheme had been developed by the respective Executive Director and senior management and the variations reflected the unique structure and needs of each service area.

It was noted that the reference in the adults’ services section to children’s commissioning would be removed as this no longer applied.

It was reported that organisational charts would be included for clarity on reporting lines and responsibilities and that ongoing reviews and updates would take place especially as leadership or structures changes.

Councillors M Goldsmith and J Rhodes left the meeting during the consideration of this item and did not return.

RESOLVED (unanimously): That the Committee

1               approve in principle the new draft officer Schemes of Delegation, as set out in Appendices A to G to the report.

2               recommend to Full Council approval and adoption of the new officer Schemes of Delegation, as set out in Appendices A to G to the report, to be incorporated into the Constitution at Chapter 2 Part 5 to replace the existing schemes and the revocation of all former officer schemes of delegation, including local or service specific schemes.

3               Delegate authority to the Goverance, Compliance and Monitoring Officer to make any further minor amendments required prior to Full Council, if necessary, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Corporate Policy Committee.