Our Definition of Corporate Governance

`Ensuring the organisation is doing the right things, in the right way, for the right people, in an open, honest, inclusive and timely manner'

This definition is underpinned by our internal values:

o Integrity;

o Making a Difference; and

o Innovation

Explanation of what each of these values mean is detailed at Appendix 2

Key principles of Corporate Governance we will adopt

The Authority will -

o Focus on the outcomes for the area and its community and create a vision for the local area which it can play a leadership role in helping to implement;

o Engage with local people and its other stakeholders to ensure robust public accountability;

o Foster community leadership that sees Members and Officers working together to achieve a common purpose with clearly defined roles and responsibilities;

o Promote values and behaviours for the Authority that will demonstrate how it will uphold good governance and high standards of conduct;

o Take informed and transparent decisions which manage risk and opportunity and are subject to effective scrutiny;

o Develop the capacity and capability of its Members and Officers to be effective and innovative

Expected requirements for each of these principles are detailed at Appendix 2

Compliance with the Code

To evidence this Code the Authority is responsible for putting in place proper arrangements for the governance of its affairs, and facilitating the effective exercise of its functions.

It also has a statutory obligation to provide assurance to all its stakeholders that these arrangements are effective and it will do this by carrying out an annual review of its systems of governance.

The results of this review will then be published in an `Annual Governance Statement' which is signed by the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive.