Introduction
1.1 Hartlepool Borough Council recognises that good governance leads to good management, attainment of good performance and overall proper stewardship of public monies. Additionally, through public engagement and empowerment this should ultimately lead to beneficial outcomes for citizens and service users. Good governance enables local authorities to pursue their visions in an effective and responsive manner, as well as underpinning their visions through appropriate mechanisms for control and effective management of risk.
1.2 All public authorities should aim to meet the standards of the best possible governance arrangements which should not only be sound but also seen to be properly robust and effective. Governance is about how local government bodies ensure that they are doing things right for the community they serve, in a timely, inclusive, open, honest and accountable manner and it comprises the systems and processes as well as cultures and values by which local government is directed and controlled and through which it is publicly accountable. Of primary importance, is the way any public body engages with and where appropriate, provides leadership and direction to their communities.
1.3 Hartlepool Borough Council is committed to being at the forefront of those local authorities that are able to demonstrate that they have the necessary Corporate Governance to excel in the Public Sector. This Code is a public statement that sets out the way in which the Council will meet that commitment.