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Constitution

The chapters and articles of the council's constitution are set out below as pdf files. To use these files, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this on your computer, please use our advice page.

Chapter 1    Summary and explanation (pdf 142KB)

Medway Council's constitution sets out how the council operates, how decisions are made and the procedures which are followed to ensure that these are efficient, transparent and accountable to local people. Some of these processes are required by law, while others are a matter for the council to choose.

Chapter 2    Articles of the Constitution

The constitution is divided into 15 articles which set out the basic rules governing the council's business. More detailed procedures and codes of practice are provided in separate rules and protocols.

Article 1 sets out the council's vision and commits the council to providing a lead in turning Medway's vision into reality.

Articles 2-15 explain the rights of local people and how the key parts of the council operate. These are:

Chapter 3    Responsibility for functions (pdf 259KB)

This chapter records what part of the council or which individual has responsibilities for particular types of decisions or decisions relating to particular areas.

Chapter 4    Rules

This chapter is divided into eight sets of rules which govern the way the council conducts its business. These are:

Chapter 5    Codes and protocols

Every authority is required to adopt a code of conduct that sets out rules governing the behaviour of its members. All elected, co-opted and independent members of local authorities, including parish councils, are covered by the code.

This code gives advice to members on their involvement in the determination of planning matters.

This code provides an outline of the way in which the council expects all its employees to act.

This protocol is designed to ensure effective working relationships between members and employees.

This protocol outlines processes for ensuring the council's communications are effective and sets out the respective roles of councillors and officers in communications.

Medway Council has adopted the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy/Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (CIPFA/SOLACE) code of corporate governance. Corporate governance is the system by which local authorities direct and control their functions and relate to their communities.

This code gives advice to members on their involvement in the determination of licensing matters.

This code outlines the council's commitment to creating an anti-fraud culture and maintaining high ethical standards in its administration of public funds.

Chapter 6    Members allowance scheme (pdf 65KB)

Councillors are not paid but are entitled to claim certain allowances and expenses for carrying out public duties. This scheme sets out what duties qualify for payments and how they are made. The council must have regard to the recommendations of an Independent Remuneration Panel in setting its scheme.

Chapter 7    Management structure (pdf 32KB)

This sets out the senior management structure of the council in the form of a chart.

 

For more information contact Council Office by telephone: 01634 332760 or by email: democratic.services@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Council Office, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

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