The Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to discuss proposed new Contract Procedure Rules and a review of various parts of the Council's Constitution. The meeting will also cover the approval of previous minutes.

Proposed New Contract Procedure Rules 2025

The committee is set to consider a report and appendix detailing proposed new Contract Procedure Rules for 2025. These rules are intended to replace the existing 2016 rules, which are considered restrictive and inconsistent with recent changes in public procurement law, including the Procurement Act 2023. The draft 2025 rules aim to offer greater flexibility while maintaining transparency and governance, aligning with new legislation covering health-related services and social care contracts. Key changes include updated financial thresholds for delegations, a more flexible approach to evaluation criteria, and enhanced provisions for social value, sustainability, and SME participation. The report recommends that the revised Contracts Procedure Rules 2025 be submitted to Full Council for adoption.

Constitutional Review - Various Parts

A report and appendices are scheduled for discussion regarding a review of various parts of the Council's Constitution. The Governance Committee is being asked to consider the revised constitution, as attached to the report, and to recommend its submission to Full Council for approval and adoption. This review is part of an ongoing process to update the constitution on a piecemeal basis, under the direction of the Constitutional Working Group. The report details that all matters, with the exception of the Contract Procedure Rules and the Policy & Strategy Development Framework, have previously been reported to and agreed by the Governance Committee. The review aims to ensure the constitution effectively supports the Council's operational framework, provides clear leadership, and enables effective public accountability.