URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2010

Decision Maker: Audit Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To consider amendments to the Constitution arising from the Constitution Review Steering Group in relation to the Formal Hybrid Committee Meeting Protocol and the Member / Officer Protocol

Content: The Constitution Review Steering Group (CRSG) had been reconvened to review amendments to the Officer Scheme of Delegations and other matters within the Constitution.  At their first meeting (Minutes detailed at Appendix 1 to the report), the CRSG considered proposed amendments to Part 5-6 (Hybrid Protocol for Formal Committee Meetings) and Part 5-4 (Member / Officer Protocol) of the Council’s Constitution.  The Audit Committee (AC) was responsible for overseeing and recommending changes to the Constitution.   A review by the Monitoring Officer confirmed that Part 5-6 was unlawful regarding Member attendance and required amendment.  The proposed amendments were set out in Appendix 1A to the report.  Minor revisions to Part 5-4 were also proposed, as detailed at Appendix 1B to the report.  It was agreed that the Member / Officer Protocol should be reinforced through officer networks, including incorporation into staff induction and discussion at a forthcoming Manager’s Forum.   Members raised concerns that junior officers may not necessarily feel empowered to advise them that enquiries should be raised with Heads of Service or Team Leaders rather than themselves, often leading to delayed responses. Training was therefore required for both parties and expectations managed.   The AC agreed to recommend to full Council the amendments to Part 5-6 (Hybrid Protocol for Formal Committee Meetings) and Part 5-4 (Member / Officer Protocol) as outlined in Appendices 1A and 1B, respectively to the report.               RECOMMENDED: That the amendments to Part 5-6 (Hybrid Protocol for Formal Committee Meetings) and Part 5-4 (Member / Officer Protocol) detailed within Appendices 1A and 1B, respectively to the report be approved and adopted.

Date of Decision: March 23, 2026