45.1 Overview
Partnerships play a key role in delivering corporate objectives and service improvement priorities and in helping to promote and improve the well-being of the area. The Authority works in partnership with public agencies, private companies, community groups and voluntary organisations. These take a number of different forms and it is important to ensure that the financial interests of the Council are protected throughout.
45.2 Responsibility/Accountability
45.2.1 Cabinet (click here for all responsibilities for the Cabinet)
Approving partnership agreements within agreed Plans and Strategies.
Focus for forming partnerships with other local public, private, voluntary and community sector organisations to address local needs.
45.2.2 Chief Executive (click here for all responsibilities for the Chief Executive)
In consultation with Directors’ Management Team determine the most appropriate officer to represent the Authority on partnership and external bodies, in accordance with the relevant agreement.
45.2.3 Directors (click here for all responsibilities for Directors)
In consultation with the Chief Executive determine the most appropriate officer to represent the Authority on any partnership or external body, in accordance with the relevant agreement.
45.2.4 Monitoring Officer (click here for all responsibilities for the Monitoring Officer)
Promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct with regard to ethics and probity administration in Partnerships.
45.2.5 Section 151 Officer (click here for all responsibilities for the Section 151 Officer)
Ensure financial arrangements relating to Partnerships, joint ventures etc. are consistent with this Framework and are clearly referenced in any agreement/contract.
Advise on effective controls that will ensure that resources are not wasted.
Advise on the key elements of funding a project.
Establish the accounting arrangements required.
45.3 Policy (click here for detailed procedures)
Once an officer representative has been determined by the Chief Executive and Directors’ Management Team, that officer will be responsible for ensuring that the following are applied to the partnership in question.
The authority’s Contract Procedures are adhered to at all times.
(click here for the authority's Contract Procedures)
An Officer of the Council must be appointed to be responsible for monitoring performance and reporting on any agreement.
Obtain relevant Member approval for Partnership agreements.
Consider the overall corporate governance arrangements and legal issues when arranging contracts with external bodies.
Clearly establish with all partners accountabilities and responsibilities under the agreement including the definition and establishment of clear lines of communication.
Establish and agree with all partners a robust exit strategy.
If any grant claim is involved to adhere to the regulations on Grant Claims and Bids
Ensure the Section 151 Officer is consulted at all stages of Partnership development and working.
Ensure the risks have been fully appraised before agreements are entered into with external bodies.
Maintain a register of all contracts entered into with external bodies in accordance with procedures specified by the Head of Law and Corporate Governance.
Ensuring such agreements and arrangements are complementary to the services provided by the Authority.
Ensure all agreements and arrangements are properly documented.
Provide appropriate information to the S151 Officer to enable a note to be entered into the statement of accounts concerning material items.
Accountable for ensuring that no loans are made to third parties or interests acquired in companies, joint ventures, or other enterprises without consulting the Section 151 Officer and obtaining approval from the Cabinet.
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