The Worcestershire County Council's Constitution Committee was scheduled to review and potentially adopt a comprehensive update to its governing documents. The meeting's agenda focused entirely on the Constitution, encompassing its core articles, procedural standing orders, cabinet rules, overview and scrutiny procedures, access to information policies, financial regulations, contract standing orders, officer employment rules, and codes of conduct for both councillors and officers.

The Constitution

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the entirety of the Worcestershire County Council's Constitution, as outlined in the Public reports pack 20th-Feb-2026 Constitution.pdf document. This included a detailed review of the Guide to the Constitution and the Articles of the Constitution, which collectively set out how the council operates, how decisions are made, and the procedures to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The Constitution is designed to align with legal requirements and the council's chosen governance model, the 'Leader and Cabinet' executive arrangement.

The agenda also detailed numerous appendices that were scheduled for consideration, each addressing a specific aspect of the council's governance:

• Appendix 1: Scheme of Assignment of Responsibility for Functions This appendix outlines which body or officer is responsible for specific council functions. It details the roles and responsibilities of the full Council, the Cabinet, Cabinet Members with Responsibility (CMRs), and officers, including specific delegations. It also defines executive functions, non-executive functions, and local choice functions.

• Appendix 2: Procedural Standing Orders This document governs the conduct of meetings for the Council and its committees. It covers aspects such as the timing and conduct of meetings, public participation, questions from members, notices of motion, rules of debate, voting procedures, and the suspension or amendment of standing orders.

• Appendix 3: Cabinet Procedure Rules These rules specifically address the procedures for the Cabinet, including its composition, role, and how decisions are taken. It details the responsibilities of the Leader, Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Members with Responsibility (CMRs), as well as consultation processes and the setting of the Cabinet agenda.

• Appendix 4: Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules This appendix outlines the framework for the Council's overview and scrutiny arrangements, including the composition and roles of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board, the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and various Overview and Scrutiny Panels. It details how work programmes are developed, how reports are produced, and the 'call-in' procedure for scrutinising executive decisions.

• Appendix 5: Access to Information Rules These rules detail the public's rights to access information related to council meetings and decisions. This includes rights to attend meetings, access agendas and reports, and inspect background papers. It also outlines the circumstances under which the public may be excluded from meetings and reports.

• Appendix 6: Budget and Policy Framework Rules This appendix sets out the procedures for developing and adopting the Council's Budget and Policy Framework. It details the process for consultation, the roles of the Cabinet and Full Council in decision-making, and procedures for handling decisions made outside the approved budget or policy framework, including urgent decisions.

• Appendix 7: Financial Regulations These regulations establish the framework for the proper administration and control of the Council's financial affairs. They cover financial roles and responsibilities, financial planning (including revenue and capital budgets), risk management, internal control, financial systems, and external arrangements such as partnerships and grant agreements.

• Appendix 8: Contract Standing Orders These orders set the framework for the acquisition and disposal of goods, works, and services. They detail procurement routes, financial thresholds, key processes such as due diligence, evaluation, and contract award, and considerations for contract extensions, variations, and management.

• Appendix 9: Officer Employment Procedure Rules These rules govern the recruitment, appointment, disciplinary action, and dismissal of council officers. They differentiate procedures for Chief Officer-related posts (such as the Chief Executive and Directors) and other officers, outlining the roles of panels and specific approval processes.

• Appendix 10: Councillor Code of Conduct This document sets out the expected standards of conduct for councillors, based on the Seven Principles of Public Life. It covers general conduct, impartiality of officers, confidentiality, use of position, and the registration and disclosure of interests, gifts, and hospitality.

• Appendix 11: Officers' Code of Conduct This code outlines the expected standards of conduct and behaviour for council employees. It addresses personal interests, private work, expressing concerns about irregularities, confidentiality, use of IT and information governance, gifts and hospitality, and political neutrality.

• Appendix 12: Member/Officer Relations Protocol This protocol defines the expected working relationship between councillors and officers, emphasizing mutual trust and respect. It outlines the distinct roles of members and officers, expectations for each, and guidance on communication, political relationships, and support services.

• Appendix 13: Councillors' Allowances Scheme This scheme details the allowances payable to councillors, including basic allowances, special responsibility allowances for specific roles, travelling and subsistence allowances, carers' allowances, and parental leave entitlements.

• Appendix 14: Management Structures This appendix provides an overview of the council's management structure, likely detailing the organisation of directorates and key leadership roles.

The meeting was scheduled to be attended by Hazel Best. The information available does not indicate whether the meeting actually took place or what discussions, if any, occurred.