How Constituency Tenant Groups are run
This page picks out and summarises the key parts of the Code of Governance for Birmingham's Constituency Tenant Groups (CTGs).
Read the full constitution, job description and person specification - open the attachments below.
What is meant by "governance"?
It is about setting standards and rules as to how:
· the group is set up
· it exercises its powers and responsibilities
· as a group and as individuals members behave towards each other and towards others
· the group is open, fair and accountable.
· the group is set up
· it exercises its powers and responsibilities
· as a group and as individuals members behave towards each other and towards others
· the group is open, fair and accountable.
What does the code consist of?
The code is not one document but a series of documents that together form the code. These are:
· Constitution (including code of conduct and standing orders)
· Activities List
· Recruitment Policy
· Training and Development Policy
· Appraisal Policy.
· Constitution (including code of conduct and standing orders)
· Activities List
· Recruitment Policy
· Training and Development Policy
· Appraisal Policy.
Why do we have a code?
CTGs are a formal part of the tenant involvement process.
They must therefore be able to prove that they are democratically run, fair and accountable for their actions.
They must therefore be able to prove that they are democratically run, fair and accountable for their actions.
Can the code be changed by a CTG?
Tenants have been involved in developing the code and its principles.
There are 10 CTGs and the council has a duty to ensure that tenant involvement at this level is consistent throughout Birmingham.
The code is identical for every CTG.
Individual CTGs may put forward suggestions for changing any document that is part of the code as part of their annual developmental review. Other CTG's would then be consulted and any changes approved by the council and implemented across all CTGs.
There are 10 CTGs and the council has a duty to ensure that tenant involvement at this level is consistent throughout Birmingham.
The code is identical for every CTG.
Individual CTGs may put forward suggestions for changing any document that is part of the code as part of their annual developmental review. Other CTG's would then be consulted and any changes approved by the council and implemented across all CTGs.
Constitution
This is the base document.
It sets out:
· the size, powers and responsibilities of the CTG
· how the CTG will develop the skills and competencies of its members
· how membership will be renewed
· how members can be disqualified
· valuing equality and diversity
· relations with the council.
It sets out:
· the size, powers and responsibilities of the CTG
· how the CTG will develop the skills and competencies of its members
· how membership will be renewed
· how members can be disqualified
· valuing equality and diversity
· relations with the council.
Code of Conduct
It is vital that members of important bodies in the public arena work to agreed standards of behaviour - towards each other, other tenants and leaseholders in the constituency, council staff and also the wider public.
If CTGs are to work effectively they must enjoy a sound reputation with tenants and with the council. Others are often quick to judge those in formal positions in the community. It is important that they are not given any genuine cause for criticism due to the poor behaviour of a few.
The Code of Conduct includes:
· avoiding conflict with and not pursuing personal interests as a member
· respecting diversity and the need for equality of treatment
· mutual respect between members and of council staff
· good standards of behaviour
· confidentiality of information
· how press and public statements are handled on group matters.
If CTGs are to work effectively they must enjoy a sound reputation with tenants and with the council. Others are often quick to judge those in formal positions in the community. It is important that they are not given any genuine cause for criticism due to the poor behaviour of a few.
The Code of Conduct includes:
· avoiding conflict with and not pursuing personal interests as a member
· respecting diversity and the need for equality of treatment
· mutual respect between members and of council staff
· good standards of behaviour
· confidentiality of information
· how press and public statements are handled on group matters.
Standing Orders
Standing Orders deal with the process leading up to and at meetings of the CTG.
They cover:
· how the CTG will be chaired
· how meetings are called and administered (See also separate Quick Administration Guide)
· conduct at meetings - in keeping with the general standards expected in the Code of Governance
· voting
· declarations of personal interests
· confidential business
· minutes
They cover:
· how the CTG will be chaired
· how meetings are called and administered (See also separate Quick Administration Guide)
· conduct at meetings - in keeping with the general standards expected in the Code of Governance
· voting
· declarations of personal interests
· confidential business
· minutes
Constituency Tenant Group Activity List
This sets down the involvement within the constituency area of the CTG in:
· improving delivery of the council's housing service and linked services in the constituency
· monitoring performance
· developing and renewing the Constituency Tenant Involvement Agreement and maintaining a strategic overview of tenant involvement activity.
· improving delivery of the council's housing service and linked services in the constituency
· monitoring performance
· developing and renewing the Constituency Tenant Involvement Agreement and maintaining a strategic overview of tenant involvement activity.