We will work with our partners and our community to deliver our priorities through effective leadership, governance and democratic processes
As one of the statutory community planning partners, the Council agreed the second Shetland Partnership Plan Delivery Plan 2023-2028 in December 2023. The plan is designed to deliver on a place-based programme of change, facilitating existing significant improvement projects and programmes.
A Corporate Governance self-evaluation was carried out and reported to Members in June 2023. This found that, based on the evidence presented, the Council is governed by sound and effective internal management controls, and continues to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the CIPFA/SOLACE Framework: “Delivering Good Governance in Local Government".
Twelve of the sub-principles scored five (Very Good – major strengths) and the remaining nine scored four (Good – important strengths with areas for improvement). The self-evaluation identified some additional improvement actions over and above those already included in the Best Value Assurance Report Improvement and Delivery Plan.
We are continuing to work through a review of the Council’s Corporate Governance - Improvement and Modernisation Programme although, due to conflicting priorities and resource constraints, this is taking longer than initially intended. The Best Value Assurance report in 2022 however commented, ‘Council business is carried out in full Council meetings as well as by seven committees and two boards. Overall, the committee system provides an appropriate structure to consider and progress Council business and is effective. Business generally progresses well with appropriate challenge and scrutiny from members’. As well as live streaming, the Council publishes agendas, reports and minutes on its website, enabling members of the public, partners and stakeholders to obtain information on Council business and decisions.