The Shareholders Committee of North Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to convene on Monday 2 November 2026 to discuss the governance of significant partnerships and incorporated bodies, as well as the company governance framework. The committee will also consider its own draft terms of reference.

Governance of Significant Partnerships and Incorporated Bodies

A key item on the agenda is the governance of significant partnerships and incorporated bodies. The report pack outlines the Council's existing Partnership Governance Framework, which provides oversight of the governance, performance, and risk of its significant partnerships. A review of this framework for 2025/26 covered 21 partnerships and identified areas for improvement in performance and risk management. The report proposes maintaining incorporated bodies within this framework to ensure a consistent overview for the Audit and Governance Committee. The aim is to clarify the distinct roles of the Shareholder Committee, which will exercise the Council's owner/shareholder responsibilities for companies, and the Audit and Governance Committee, which retains a broader assurance role. This approach is recommended to mitigate the risk of duplicated reporting and unclear accountability.

Company Governance Overview

The committee is also scheduled to review the overall governance of companies in which the Council holds an interest. This follows a review initiated after Local Government Reorganisation, which identified a need to formalise governance and oversight arrangements. The report details companies such as the Corby Cube Theatre Trust, Groundwork Northamptonshire, Opus People Solutions (East), Northamptonshire Sport, and Wellingborough Bereavement Services Ltd. It notes that shareholder agreements may not currently be in place for these entities. The establishment of a Shareholder Committee is proposed to provide enhanced oversight and assurance on decision-making processes, performance, and expenditure. This committee would be a sub-committee of the Executive and would have delegated authority to exercise shareholder functions.

Draft Shareholders Committee Terms of Reference

The committee will consider draft terms of reference for its own operation. These terms aim to define the committee's purpose and functions, which include supporting the development and oversight of the Council's company interests, significant partnerships, and recognised Outside Bodies. The committee will provide shareholder assurance regarding governance, performance, financial resilience, and risk, without replacing the independent assurance functions of the Audit and Governance Committee. The proposed membership includes specific Executive members with responsibilities for Companies, Finance, Efficiency and Change, Planning and Economic Growth, and Communities. The terms of reference also outline the committee's quorum, decision-making processes, and meeting frequency, as well as its relationship with the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

Company Governance Action Plan

An additional item for consideration is a Company Governance Action Plan, though details of this plan are to follow.