Who this section is for

If you are responsible for writing reports that go through the decision making process or briefing notes to circulate to councillors outside of committee meetings, it is important you are aware of how decisions are made and the processes you need to follow. This section provides guidance on:

• what decision making and governance are and why they are important

• the decision making process at the council

• what counts as a key decision and what the forward plan is

• how decisions are implemented

• how to write a report including what you need to consider before you start and the template to follow

• how to submit your report to The Cabinet or a different board or committee

• how to write a briefing note and when this is required

• how to submit your briefing note

Decision making

Every day, the council makes decisions that affect people's lives. Some are small, like changing how a service runs. Others are big, like setting the budget or a new policy.

Officers help by gathering the facts, working out the options and writing clear reports and councillors make the decisions. Decision making is how the council stays open, fair and accountable to residents.

Knowing how decision making works helps you write better reports and get decisions made faster.

If you're asking Cabinet or full Council to make a decision, you need to talk to the portfolio holder and statutory officers, like legal and finance, before you write your report. Your report also needs to go through the council's usual governance process.

Governance

Good governance matters in any organisation, including local authorities. When you help make decisions and write your reports, think about the whole council, not just your own service. Your work affects residents, councillors, other staff and the council itself. If you don't take enough care, it can lead to legal challenges, financial problems and damage to the council's reputation. Following our process protects you and the council.

When a decision goes to Cabinet, your report needs to have the right information and recommendations. It should show that the whole council has thought this through properly, and that it's a good use of public money.