Transparency and Policy Documents

Government Transparency Code

• Transparency Statement

  The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 (the code) came into effect on 1 April 2015. The code is issued by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in exercise of powers under section 2 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980

• Grants and Donations Awarding Policy and Grant Application Form

  This Policy formalises the process by which Funtington Parish Council (the Council) will award a grant or provide a donation to various organisations. It will ensure access, openness and fairness for all.

• One-Off Grant Application Form

Parish Councils Assets

• Asset register

  Details of the council's owned assets.

• Asset Register Policy

  This policy explains how the fixed assets of Funtington Parish Council will be recorded, managed, maintained, disposed of and reported on. It is designed to safeguard assets owned by the Parish Council.

Financial Information

• Funtington Parish Council Financial Regulations

  These Financial Regulations govern the financial management of the council and may only be amended or varied by resolution of the council. They are one of the council’s governing documents and shall be observed in conjunction with the council’s Standing Orders.

• Annual Governance & Accountability Return

  The Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) is the document that is submitted by local councils presenting a summary of their audit and financial information.

• Internal Audit Reports

  The Council operates an overall system of internal control appropriate to its expenditure and activity. This includes an annual internal audit of its systems by an independent and competent auditor, whose findings/recommendations are reported to the Council.

• Annual Bank Reconciliations

  Bank Reconciliations show whether the council's bank account statements match the accounting cashbook at the end of the financial year.

• CIL Reports

  This document shows payments to local authorities for new developments in the local area

• Notices of Conclusion of Audit

  This is a document confirming that the accounts for the last accounting year have been published.

• External Audit Reports

  This is a certificate signed by an external auditor after a review of the AGAR.

• Notice of Public Rights

  This is a document explaining the rights the public have in being able to inspect the council's annual accounts.

• Significant Variances

  This shows whether income or expenditure has gone up or down between two accounting years.

General Policies and Publications

• Councillor Code of Conduct

  This is a document explaining the role and expected conduct of Councillors.

• Complaints Policy

  This policy explains what you should do if you have a complaint regarding the activities of the parish council and how we will respond to any complaints.

• Councillor Co-Option Policy
• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Grants and Donations Awarding Policy
• Procurement Policy
• Risk Management Policy

  The Risk Management Policy highlights all known significant risks in terms of Council’s activities and makes clear how such risks will be managed.

• Vexatious Complaints Policy

  This policy summarises the parish councils actions when dealing with vexatious complaints and behaviour by members of the public and other organisations

Data Policies

• Accessibility Statement
• Data Retention Policy

  Policy detailing the council's responsibilities for retaining certain documents, and how long they should be retained.

• Data Breach Policy
• Freedom of Information Policy
• Internal Privacy Notice
• IT Policy

  This policy outlines the guidelines and responsibilities for the appropriate use of IT resources and email by council members, employees, volunteers and contractors

• WhatsApp Policy

  This policy outlines the acceptable use of WhatApp for internal communication within Funtington Parish Council to ensure sound communication governance and effective dispute resolution

• Data Protection Impact Assessment

  This policy covers the Parish Council's use of AI tools in the recording and transcription of meetings and in the processing of Council correspondence and administrative work

Statutory Documents

• Standing Orders

  Written rules for the local council, confirming the procedures and procedural matters for meetings.

Commitments & Pledges

• Civility and Respect Pledge, Councillor-Officer Protocol

  This details whether the council has signed the Civility and Respect pledge. This is a project between NALC, SLCC and OVW to help councils show their zero tolerance for bullying, harassment and intimidation in local councils.

HR Policies

• HR policies summary and links to policy documents

  Human Resources policies apply to all staff employed by the Parish Council