The governance examination program is designed to give council staff skills to improve compliance, transparency and develop better practice processes.
About the governance examination program
The program aims to:
- provide an independent assessment of key council practices
- review the effectiveness and efficiency of selected governance processes
- assist councils to achieve clear and transparent governance, mitigating the risk of possible breaches of the Act.
The examination process
Step 1: We’ll contact you to propose a date for the examination.
Step 2: You’ll receive information on how to prepare for the examination.
Step 3: We'll confirm the examination date with you and discuss any other arrangements.
Step 4: The examination is completed over three to four days, and includes:
- initial meeting with council CEO and representatives to discuss examination process
- review of requested materials or documents
- discussions with relevant council staff
- meeting to discuss preliminary findings.
Step 5: We will prepare an examination outcome report, including recommendations.
Following the examination:
- your council will receive a draft governance examination report, including our recommendations, you can consider the findings and detail your agreed actions in accordance with the recommendations
- we’ll consider your comments and your proposed action plan
- a final agreed audit report and action plan will be forwarded to council.
Step 6: We’ll review and check that the agree actions have been completed.
Step 7: Outcome of review provided to council.
Step 8: Examination closed.
More information
- Examples of best practice policies
- Case studies in compliance and complaints
- Investigation and audit reports
Updated