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

Part 1 - Summary and Explanation

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

View Contents

View Summary and Explanation

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.

View Contents

View the Articles

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.

View Contents

View the Responsibilities for Functions
View the Scheme of Delegation to Planning Committee, Licensing Committee, Accounts and Regulatory Committee, Appointments Committee and Local Development Framework
View the Scheme of Delegation to Cabinet Members and Portfolio Holders
View the Scheme of Delegation to Officers
View the Designation of Proper Officers
View the Record of Decisions Form (Lilac Form)

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.

View Contents Page

View the Council Procedure Rules
View the Meetings Procedure Rules
View the Cabinet Procedure Rules
View the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules
View the Planning Committee Procedure Rules
View the Licensing Committee Procedure Rules
View the Accounts and Regulatory Committee Procedure Rules
View the Standards Committee Procedure Rules
View the Access to Information Procedure Rules
View the Budget and the Policy Framework Procedure Rules
View the Financial Procedure Rules
View the Contracts Procedure Rules
View the Officer Employment Procedure Rules 

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.

View Contents Page

View the Members' Code of Conduct
View the Planning Procedures Code of Practice
View the Member/Officer Protocol
View the Media Protocol
View the Monitoring Officer Protocol
View the Chief Finance Officer Protocol 
View the Resources Protocol
View the Whistleblowing Policy
View the Gifts and Hospitality Guidance

Part 6 - Members' Allowances Scheme

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

View Contents Page

View the Members' Allowances Scheme

Part 7 - Management Structure

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

View Contents Page

View the Council Management Structure

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.

View Contents Page

View the Charter by the Borough, Town and Parish Councils

Part 9 - Corprorate Governance Documents

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

View Contents Page

View the Local Code of Corporate Governance
View the Risk Management Strategy
View the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy
View the Constitituion Equality Impact Assessment

For more information on the Constitution please contact -

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