Code of Governance Framework
2.1 Hartlepool Borough Council is committed to applying the core principles as set out in the SOLACE-CIPFA Good Governance Framework which comprises the following key elements;
Behaving with integrity, demonstrating strong commitment to ethical views, and respecting the rule of law.
- Members and officers act in the public interest, leading by example, protecting the reputation of the Authority.
Ensuring openness and comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
- Making decisions that are open about actions, plans, resource use, forecasts, outputs and outcomes, engaging with local people and other stakeholders to ensure robust public accountability.
Defining outcomes in terms of sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits.
- Focussing on the purpose of the authority and on outcomes for the community and creating and implementing a vision for the local area.
Determining the interventions necessary to optimise the achievement of the intended outcomes.
- Taking informed and transparent decisions which are subject to effective scrutiny and management of risk;
Developing the Authorities capacity, including the capability of its leadership and the individuals within it.
- Continuously developing appropriate skills and capacity of Members and Officers to achieve desired outcomes.
Managing risks and performance through robust internal control and strong public financial management.
- Implementing robust risk and performance management arrangements, ensuring they work effectively.
Implementing good practices in transparency, reporting, and audit to deliver effective accountability.
- Communicating to the public and stakeholders in an understandable and transparent manner.
2.2 Each of these Principles is an important part of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Corporate Governance arrangements. This statement describes how the Council will meet and demonstrate its commitment to good Corporate Governance. Also described in this document is how and by whom the Council’s Corporate Governance arrangements will be monitored and reviewed.