Corporate governance Corporate governance is a set of systems, processes and principles that ensure good practices and decisionmaking. We adopt principles of good governance and comply with all relevant laws, codes and directions, while meeting community expectations and having regard to elements of probity, accountability, transparency and the public interest.
All new staff received Code of Conduct awareness training during induction and we share our statement of Business Ethics with suppliers. All staff are required to attend mandatory Code of Conduct training at regular intervals, with all staff required to sign an attestation they have completed the training sessions commencing from June 2021.
Several structures and frameworks are in place to contribute to good governance, including in the areas of ethics, risk management and business continuity.
Policy framework and delegations
Ethics Our Ethical Conduct framework includes our Code of Conduct, Code of Meeting Practice and Statement of Business Ethics. It also includes other policies, procedures and processes in regard to ethical behaviour and corporate governance.
Code of Conduct We adopted a revised Code of Conduct in September 2020, following a councillor and staff online briefing/ training workshop, the revisions incorporating the new provisions of the Office of Local Government’s Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW released in August 2020. Our Code of Conduct forms the foundation for a strong ethical culture at Council and sets the minimum standards of conduct for all Council officials - employees, councillors, committee members and contractors. It covers general conduct obligations, conflicts of interest (both pecuniary and non-pecuniary), personal benefit, relationships between council officials, access to information and council resources. It also includes supplementary provisions that place a higher level of commitment and greater expectations on Council officials. This includes the requirement for written records to be kept by councillors of any meetings/ communications, commitment to fraud and corruption prevention, social media provisions and a commitment to zero acceptance of gifts and benefits. Our Code of Conduct Complaint Handling Process Manual provides guidance and resources to complaints coordinators on the Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct.
A comprehensive suite of policy documents support the strategic direction of the Council, guide effective decision-making and ensure overall accountability. In September 2020 we developed an overarching policy framework and made a decision to improve governance practices around policy development, approval, communication, implementation and review. Our policies are regularly reviewed, evaluated and updated. In 2020/21, we developed six council policies, and updated 16, ensuring the suite of policy documents reflect current practice and community expectations. In addition, we have a comprehensive delegations register that facilitates good decision-making and provides for the expedient exercise and performance of powers and duties. Disclosures of Interest and Gifts and Benefits A person must not obtain a private benefit or advantage by virtue of their position as a Council official, nor misuse the power or authority of their position to unfairly influence or decide a matter where they have a real or perceived private interest. All staff, councillors and other Council officials are required to disclose promptly and fully any conflicts of interest to prevent bias, and also to remove the perception of bias, in decision-making, which in turn supports the principles of integrity, fairness, transparency and accountability. Councillors and certain designated staff complete an annual Disclosure of Interest Return. The number of designated staff is reviewed regularly. Currently, 45 staff and 15 councillors that have published annual returns disclosing interests on our website. Gifts or benefits of any kind cannot be accepted by a Council official, regardless of value. This helps to avoid situations where it could appear that the provision of
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