It is important to understand the different function and meaning of a policy, a procedure, and legislation within local government
When developing or updating policy and procedures, it is important to understand the different function and meaning of a policy, a procedure, and legislation within local government.
Legislation provides for policies of a local government to be determined by Council, and for the CEO to manage the day-to-day operations of the local government in accordance with Council policy.
Policies form an essential component of any sound governance structure and internal control environment. They set out high level strategic positions of organisations, to assist and guide operations, providing direction in the absence of legislative requirements.
Policies of Council should provide guidance to articulate the strategic directions of Council, and set out a broad, overall position of the local government to be followed at an operational level.
Procedures detail the tasks, process and requirements to be accomplished, and the specific actions to be performed by staff. Essentially, they are a set of rules from the CEO intended to communicate to staff expected standards and actions to be undertaken to achieve the strategic direction and policies of Council and compliance with legislation.