The Conference Board of Canada offers a framework for principle-based governance for boards of directors which has relevance in considering the questions posed in a previous post ( Basic Building Blocks):
- How should Council express its relationship with the Community (taxpayers) and City Hall (city employees)?
- How should Council be accountable for its leadership role and deliver results to the Community?
- How should Council execute its oversight role of City Hall?
I know. Many people find this type of work so very, very boring – especially the media. No catchy headlines here. Yet, this is foundational to Council doing its job and doing it well.
Leadership and stewardship
- Ensuring strategic direction and planning
- Planning for succession and renewal
- Overseeing risk management
Empowerment and accountability
- Delegating authority
- Allocating responsibilities
- Establishing effective accountability mechanisms
Communication and Transparency
- Determining information flows
- Communicating with all community stakeholders
- Reporting to the community (taxpayers) and others
Service and Fairness
- Setting an example in corporate social responsibility
- Providing ethical leadership
- Promoting environmental sustainability
Accomplishment and Measurement
- Monitoring and overseeing City Hall (city employees)
- Selecting performance measures
- Evaluating Council and the CAO
Continuous learning and growth
- Promoting a culture of innovation and change
- Developing executives and employees
- Training members of Council
January 25, 2012
Excellence in Municipal Services