Many governing bodies find it helpful to have a set of rules, or standing orders, for their conduct and meetings. These expand on the requirements of the Instrument of Government and statutory regulations. Although not legally binding, they can be helpful to the governing body in case of any dispute, by demonstrating that agreed procedures had been followed.

 

As more decisions about procedures have been left to the individual governing body to decide, it is even more relevant to codify those arrangements into a set of standing orders.

 

A Model Standing Orders is available and it may be adapted for your governing body.

 

Where a governing body has delegated any of its functions to a committee, exactly what has been delegated and the limits of any delegation need to be recorded in the governing body minutes.

 

It is essential that terms of reference for each committee are drawn up setting out the membership, quorum and activities the committee has been delegated.

 

These are the model terms of reference for: