The
Governance and Constitution Committee is responsible
for:
1.
overseeing, monitoring, co-ordinating and implementing
the Council’s administrative and
political business, including electoral matters; administrative
boundaries; support for and facilities for Members, including
Members’ learning and development and party groups for
the purpose of their duties as councillors; and administrative
arrangements for and the conduct of the Council and other
meetings;
2.
determining policies and conventions in relation to the political
management of the Council, including statutory requirements
concerning political balance and rights to information;
3.
reviewing the Council’s Constitution and recommending any
changes to the Council;
4.
advising
the Council on, and overseeing the promotion of private legislation
on behalf of the Council;
5.
recommending to the Council, as appropriate, the appointment of
Members to Committees and Sub-Committees (including any co-opted members other than in
respect of Scrutiny Committees);
6. appointing
representatives to serve on outside bodies and organisations
(including education bodies and establishments) not falling to the
Cabinet to appoint;
7.
overseeing and monitoring the Members’ Allowance budget,
including pensions, and keeping under review the scheme for the
payment of allowances to Members through the appointment of an
Independent Remuneration Panel to advise Council on the adoption or
the scheme and on any proposed amendments;
8. approving
annual conference and seminar attendance;
9.
recommending to the Council any issues relating to the Honorary
Aldermen;
10.
approving reasons for absence for Members;
11.
approving the overall seating plan for Council meetings;
12.
overseeing and
agreeing the arrangements for Members to be indemnified for and
insured against risks and liabilities arising from the performance
of their duties as Members of the Council, and as the
Council’s representatives on outside bodies.
13.
overseeing the Council's role and responsibilities in respect of
Corporate Governance;
14.
developing a Code of Corporate Governance and to undertake as
appropriate an assessment of wider governance issues;
15.
supporting the Council's audit function, both internal and
external;
16.
ensuring the Council has in place appropriate policies and
mechanisms to safeguard the Council's resources;
17.
supporting the Chief Financial Officer in relation to the
performance of their duties;
18.
approving any Council Statement of Accounts as may be required by
the relevant Account and Audit Regulations;
19.
ensuring any Council's Risk Management process is operating
effectively.;
20.
undertaking work, and making recommendations, upon the
Council’s political management structure;
21.
receiving the Annual Audit Report;
22.
monitoring performance against the Audit Plan;
23.
reviewing and making recommendations upon the Statement of Internal
Control.