Constitution

Our Constitution is set out in two parts: the first (Part A) describes in general terms how we operate and the second (Part B) contains all the detailed procedures and rules which we have adopted.  To view or download any part of the Constitution, select Related Downloads at the bottom of this page.

1. Part A: General Overview and Description of How the Council Operates

This section sets out our procedural rules relating to:

• Meetings of the Council, Committees and Sub-Committees 
• Appointment of Officers and Miscellaneous Matters 
• Contracts/Orders for Goods, Services and Works 
• Financial Standing Orders and Regulations

2. Part B: Standing Orders and Associated Matters

3. Terms of Reference and Delegated Powers

Terms of Reference of the Council/Committees/Sub-Committees and the Independent Remuneration Panel.

• Working Groups 
• Delegated Powers and Responsibilities of Officers 
• Proper Officer Provisions 
• Licensing Act 2003 Hearing Regulations - Hearing Procedure

4. Code of Conduct for Members

• Members' Code of Conduct
• Planning Code of Good Practice
• Gifts and Hospitality - A Code of Conduct for Councillors
• Members' Licensing Code of Good Practice

5. Code of Conduct for Employees

• Model Code of Conduct for Local Authority Employees
• Code of Conduct for the Guidance of Employees

6. Disciplinary, Incapability and Grievance Procedures

• Disciplinary and Incapability Procedures
• Grievance Procedures

7. Protocols and Other Documents

• Member and Officer Protocol
• The Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy 
• Procedures for dealing with Complaints of Misconduct against Members of the Council 
• Protocol for the Use of Resources by Councillors 
• Planning Committee Decision Making Protocol 
• Protocol for the recording of Committee and Council Meetings 
• Protocol for Public Participation at Council, Committee and Sub-Committee Meetings (excluding Planning Committee) 
• Public Participation at the Planning Committee 
• Rights of the Public relating to Access to Information 
• Exclusion of Press and Public - Issues for Consideration 
• Decision-making Principles 
• Terms of Indemnity for Councillors and Officers 
• Members' Allowance Scheme including Travelling and Subsistence Allowances 
• Protocol on the use of Call In
• Confidential Information Protocol
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Research Group Protocol
• Councillor Call for Action Protocol

8. Representation on Outside Organisations

For a full list of organisations and our representatives, go to our Representation on Outside Organisations page. 

Annex A sets out a diagram of the new committee structures, the officer structures and a list of Members of the Council with contact details.

This section provides a general overview of the Council, our functions, our decision making structures and roles and responsibilities.