The Constitution

The files below are in PDF format, which means you will need to download Acrobat Reader to view them. They may take several minutes to download, or less if you have broadband.

 Contents [19kb]

Part 1 - Summary and Explanation

This part of the Constitution provides a general overview of the Council.

 Contents [6kb]

 Summary and Explanation [23kb]

Part 2 - Articles

The Articles provide details on how the Council functions and contain principles, commitments and basic rules, on how the Council conducts its business.

 Contents [7kb]

 The Articles [199kb]

Part 3 - Responsibility for Functions

Under Executive arrangements, all functions are the responsibility of the Cabinet unless the law provides otherwise. This part of the Constitution details which part of the Council can exercise various functions. In addition, it provides information on meetings, delegations to Committees, Cabinet Members and Officers. There is also a list of officers which are designed as the Proper Officer in the Procedure Rules contained in Part 4.

 Content [7kb]

 Responsibility for Functions [41kb]

 Delegation to Planning Committee, Licensing Committee, Accounts and Regulatory Committee, Appointments Committee and Local Development Framework [26kb]

 Scheme of Delegation to Cabinet Members and Portfolio Holders [64kb]

 Scheme of Delegation to Officers [82kb]

 Designation of Proper Officers [21kb] 

 Record of Decisions Form (Lilac Form) [18kb]

Part 4 - Procedure Rules

This part of the Constitution contains the rules that the Council is required to have in place both by law and those which contribute to the corporate governance of the Council which govern how the various meetings of the Council will be conducted. In addition, it contains other rules relating to the budget and policy framework, financial procedures, the letting of contracts and the employment of officers.

 Contents Page [7kb]

 Council Procedure Rules [57kb]

 Meetings Procedure Rules [43kb]

 Cabinet Procedure Rules [26kb]

 Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules [52kb]

 Planning Committee Procedure Rules [21kb]

 Accounts and Regulatory Committee Procedure Rules [17kb]

 Standards Committee Procedure Rules [64kb]

 Access to Information Procedure Rules [39kb]

 Budget and the Policy Framework Procedure Rules [27kb]

 Financial Procedure Rules [132kb]

 Contracts Procedure Rules [75kb]

 Officer Employment Procedure Rules [21kb]

 Petition Procedure Rules [18kb]

Part 5 - The Ethical Framework

This part of the Constitution comprises various Codes and Protocols relating to standards of conduct and good practice which contribute to corporate governance of the Council.

 Contents [19kb]

 Members' Code of Conduct [30kb]

 Planning Procedure Code of Practice [69kb]

 Member/Officer Protocol [36kb]

 Media Protocol [28kb]

 Monitoring Officer Protocol [13kb]

 Chief Finance Officer Protocol [12kb]

 Resources Protocol [22kb]

 Whistleblowing Policy [39kb]

 Gifts and Hospitality Guidance [22kb]

Part 6 - Members' Allowances Scheme

This part of the Constitution comprises the Council's current Members' Allowance Scheme.

 Contents Page [6kb]

 Members' Allowances Scheme [26kb]

Part 7 - Management Structure

This part of the Constitution comprises the current officer management structure of the Council.

 Contents Page [6kb]

 Council Management Structure [21kb]

Part 8 - Local Councils Charters

This part of the Constitution contains the Charters agreed with the Colchester Association of Local Councils to enhance the partnership arrangements between the Council and Parish/Town Councils in the Borough.

 Contents Page [7kb]

 Charter by the Borough, Town and Parish Councils [18kb]

Part 9 - Corporate Governance Documents

This part of the Constitution contains key documents to enhance the Council's Corporate Governance arrangements.

 Contents Page [7kb]

 Local Code of Corporate Governance [160kb]

 Risk Management Strategy [71kb]

Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy

 Constitution Equality Impact Assessment [46kb]

For more information on the Constitution please contact -

  Andrew Weavers
  Legal Services Manager and Monitoring Officer
  Phone: 01206 282213
  E-mail: andrew.weavers@colchester.gov.uk

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