Issue - meetings
Local Code of Corporate Governance 2026
Meeting: 25/03/2026 - Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (Item 69)
69 LOCAL CODE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 2026 
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THE REPORT OF THE POLICY AND COMMUNITIES MANAGER
For the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee to approve the Local Code of Corporate Governance for 2026.
Additional documents:
Decision:
RESOLVED: That the Committee approved the Local Code of Corporate Governance 2026 (Appendix A).
REASON FOR DECISION: It is recommended practice to review the Local Code of Corporate Governance each year to ensure it remains up to date and relevant.
Minutes:
Audio recording – 51 minutes 9 seconds
The Policy and Community Manager presented the report entitled ‘Local Code of Corporate Governance 2026’ and highlighted that:
· This report was provided to seek approval for the governance review 2026; this code was to be approved annual.
· The governance framework was based on the 2016 principles of the framework of Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLICE).
· The code at appendix A followed a different format from previous years and was adjusted following training by CIPFA.
The Policy and Strategy Officer presented the report entitled ‘Appendix A - Local Code of Corporate Governance March 2026’ and highlighted that:
· The framework covered principles A to G. Principles A and B provided overarching requirements for acting in the public interest and principles C to G focused on the implementation of governance and achievement of outcomes.
· The principles covered themes such as ethical values, stake holder engagement, the capability of the authority, managing risks and accountability.
· CIPFA and SOLACE published an addendum for the framework in May 2025, which addressed changes in Local Government governance since 2016, and it encouraged a more robust review of governance.
· In line with the guidance the addendum was considered partially for the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) 2024/25 and the advice in the addendum would be fully implemented in the AGS 2025/26 as set out in the code for 2026 (Appendix A)
· The code now includes more North Hertfordshire specific government arrangements, policies and procedures making it more organisationally specific.
· The code outlined the governance structures and the responsibilities of each of those at the Council, followed by a list of sources of assurance, for evidence of effectiveness.
· Feedback from the leadership team has been incorporated into the new local code.
· One of the titles of the principles was missing from the Local Code but the full content of the principle was in that section, and this would be rectified before publication.
· Media relations training was mentioned, this had changed and now was available to Cabinet Members only with all other Members directed to LGA training.
· Following approval, the Code would be published on corporate governance internet page and shared internally on the Hub and Members Information Bulletin.
· The code would be used to draft the AGS 2025/26 which would be bought back to the Committee in Summer 2026.
The following Members asked questions:
· Councillor Paul Ward
· Councillor Stewart Willoughby
· Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham
· Independent Member John Cannon
In response to questions, the Policy and Community Manager advised that:
· The code was imbedded in the Councils culture and had been signed off by the Leadership team so the Council should be compliant day to day, this would be checked regularly throughout the year.
· The different policies were reviewed at the end of its time, it was service specific how long a policy lasts, this information could be added to the AGS.
In response to questions, the SIAS Head of Assurance advised that: