Local Code of Corporate Governance

The Council has adopted a Local Code of Corporate Governance. This is a document that set out of the processes and arrangements which help the Council ensure that good governance happens at every level in the organisation and in every activity the Council undertakes.

Good governance means doing the right thing, following the law and using public money wisely. Good governance leads to better outcomes for Worcester residents and businesses.

The Code is regularly reviewed by the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee and the Council’s chief officers who have a responsibility for ensuring good governance in the organisation.

pdf Read the full Code (252 KB) .

The Code is written around seven core principles. The aim of the principles is that the local authority achieves its intended outcomes while acting in the public interest at all times. The principles are as follows:

1. Behaving with integrity, demonstrating strong commitment to ethical values, and respecting the rule of law;
2. Ensuring openness and comprehensive stakeholder engagement;
3. Defining outcomes in terms of sustainable economic, social, and environmental benefits;
4. Determining the interventions necessary to optimize the achievement of the intended outcomes;
5. Developing the entity’s capacity, including the capability of its leadership and the individuals within it;
6. Managing risks and performance through robust internal control and strong public financial management; and
7. Implementing good practices in transparency, reporting, and audit to deliver effective accountability.