Governance in the National Park
Every local government body operates through a governance framework which combines an underlying set of legislative requirements, ethical codes and management processes.
Good governance leads to good management, good performance, good use of public money, good public engagement and good public services. The Authority is responding to changes in the auditing arrangements under the Local Government (Wales) Measure and will shortly be adopting a Code of Governance which will set out how we aim to provide public services and our accountability to our stakeholders and the wider community. It outlines the systems and processes, cultures and values by which decisions are made and functions undertaken to deliver the purposes and duty of the National Park Authority.
In addition, the Authority recently carried out a review of its regulatory documents which provide a framework and guidance for members in making decisions about the National Park:
Standing Orders
Standing Orders regulate the proceedings, meeting and business of the National Park Authority and its committees. These were reviewed and adopted on 20 May 2010.
Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference
This is the framework for decision making and accountability for the Authority and all its committees. It includes some informal working groups and forums, which do not have responsibilities for decision making, but which make recommendations to the Authority. Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference were reviewed and adopted on 20 May 2010.
Financial Regulations
The Local Government Act 1972 directs that local government bodies shall make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs and that some officers will have delegation for some of this. To conduct its business efficiently a local authority needs to ensure that it has sound financial management policies in place and that they are adhered to. Financial Regulations provide a framework for the management of the Authority’s financial affairs and apply to every member and officer of the Authority as well as anyone acting on its behalf.
Procurement
The term ‘procurement’ relates to the process of acquiring goods, services and works from the initial idea through the life of the asset or service contract. Effective procurement is vital to achieve continuous improvement and to secure value for money in public services. It is important to ensure that procurement decisions are legal, ethical, in accordance with the Authority’s policies and procedures and that consideration is given to the impact on the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the communities within the National Park. The objective of the Standing Orders Relating to Contracts is to ensure that the Authority’s procurement procedures are robust and effective as well as transparent and in accordance with good practice. Please note that the Authority is currently reviewing these standing orders and developing a Sustainable Procurement Policy.
Code of Conduct
All local authorities are required to adopt a code of conduct which all their members are asked to sign up to on appointment. The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has adopted the Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) (Wales) Order 2008. The Code of Conduct aims to ensure that Members register and declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in business of the Authority, to promote high standards of ethical behaviour and to prevent maladministration.
Planning Protocol
Building on the Code of Conduct above, the Planning Protocol aims to give additional advice to members in their role as the Planning Authority for the area within the National Park. It guides members in dealing with planning related matters, gives more detailed guidance on the standards to be applied specifically in relation to planning, applies internal rules to the way in which the Authority will deal with planning matters and informs potential users of the planning service, and the public generally, of the standards adopted by the Authority in the performance of its planning function. This protocol was reviewed and adopted on 20 May 2010.
Member Officer Protocol
The Member Officer Protocol guides members and officers in their professional relationships with each other and aims to provide clarity and certainty. It reflects the principles underlying the respective Codes of Conduct for members and officers, which seek to enhance and maintain the integrity of the Authority in the eyes of the public. This protocol was reviewed and adopted on 20 May 2010.
