s. Standing orders

It is recommended that councils have standing orders for the regulation of their proceedings and business. These should set out the relevant statutory requirements relating to meetings (incl. committees and sub-committees), councillors and the proper officer.

Standing orders will help control:

• the order of business at the annual meeting of a council

• submitting motions for debate at meetings

• public participation at meetings

• dealing with disorderly conduct

• awarding or entering into contracts for goods and services

• consideration of confidential or sensitive information that is prejudicial to the public interest

• review and management of delegation arrangements

• frequency and duration of meetings

• amendment, suspension or revocation of standing orders that do not incorporate statutory requirements.

NALC have produced model standing orders which can be tailored to suit individual councils, save for those printed in bold, which are based on statutory requirements and should not be changed. 

To access the NALC website you will need to set up an individual account (SALC members only).  Video guidance on how to do this is available here https://youtu.be/zapNDmP8jjY?si=jtXhLh0Wm5ANHrO4