URL: https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=350

Decision Maker: Environment Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To consider the findings and recommendations of the Task and Finish Group following the review of the Outside Bodies in which the Council appoints representations to.

Content: The Senior Democratic Services and Elections Officer (Electoral Services) introduced the report and explained the following points: The recommendations were of the Task and Finish Group following the review of the Council’s outside bodies. The Committee agreed alongside Community Services and Licensing Committee in September 2025 to commence a review. Feedback had been sought from Members and the outside bodies on roles and responsibilities of Members, legal and governance arrangements, meeting attendance, reporting to committee, and the value and benefit to both the Council and the outside body. Recommendations had been determined using consultation responses, organisational terms of reference, and a structured scoring matrix. Appointment and reporting lines for each outside body had been clarified and included in the report, and the constitution had been amended to reflect this.   She emphasised that the review had positively positioned the Council to better understand the appointments and strengthen relationships with outside bodies to ensure valuable representations.   In response to questions from Members, the Senior Democratic Services and Elections Officer (Electoral Services) explained that: ·       The Stroud Valleys Natural Flood Management Steering Group was an internal body; whilst there would be no formal Member appointment, Members could still attend in their own interest and capacity. It would continue to exist under its own terms of reference but could not be classed as an outside body with no external representatives. ·       There were no uniform appointing routes for internal bodies as they were subject to what was included in their own terms of reference. Where political balance was required, appointments would be made through Group Leaders. ·       Outside bodies that were proposed for removal would be contacted after the recommendations had been formalised at Full Council. The Monitoring Officer added that there would be an opportunity to review the decisions in twelve months ahead of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). There would not be an opportunity for outside bodies to be added prior to that review as there was a consultation ahead of the present review. ·       Internal bodies did not undergo a full consultation. This was due to them not having any external representation therefore the Task and Finish Group had been content not to consult further as they did not meet the definitions of an outside body.   The Chair enquired as to the frequency of reporting, and the Senior Democratic Services and Elections Officer (Electoral Services) confirmed that this could be determined at the Chair’s and Vice Chair’s discretion and would normally be set at the annual work programme meetings. It could however be changed on request throughout the civic year. The Chair noted that he would like to take input from the wider Committee in his considerations.   Councillor Dutton proposed, and Councillor Canning seconded.   Councillor Dutton thanked Officers for their work and noted her own involvement with the Task and Finish Group. She said it had been a useful exercise to ensure that the council was getting full value for its involvement in outside bodies and improve the effectiveness of Council services.   On being put to a vote, the motion was passed unanimously.   RESOLVED to note the appointment and reporting lines at Appendix C.   RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the recommendations from the Task and Finish Group as Listed in Appendix A and as detailed in sections 3.9 to 3.32 are approved.    

Date of Decision: April 23, 2026