2022-07-12 - S&O Agenda - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - Governance Framework Report

 MAYOR AND CEO
The Mayor and CEO relationship is important and should be about working closely
together and keeping each other informed about important and relevant issues.

They both have a role in liaising with each other on local and regional affairs and
the performance of Council’s functions.

Both parties have a crossover of responsibilities in speaking on behalf of Council.
As such, the Mayor is the official spokesperson on behalf of Council, primarily
concerning policy issues and the decision-making role of Council, and promotion
of events, programs and services. The CEO (or delegate) is the official
spokesperson for operational or technical matters.

Importantly, the Mayor and the CEO should adopt an approach that suits their
needs. The overall essential principles that should be followed are the ability to
effectively communicate and to have a large degree of trust in each other as well
as respecting each other’s opinion and role.

The essential elements of a successful working relationship between these parties
is based on the following:

Communication
 • Both parties need to brief each other about information that would assist them
   in performing their respective roles and to ensure neither is caught off guard.
 • Regular meetings need to occur to discuss specific issues and to enhance
   communication and planning.

Role clarity
 • Both parties need to understand and respect each other’s roles. A clear
   understanding of their different roles is absolutely crucial and should be
   subject to ongoing discussion.
 • Both parties need to also acknowledge and understand that there is a
   differentiation in powers. While the Mayor has status and leadership capacity,
   the CEO has direct authority through legislation. This means elected members,
   including the Mayor, cannot ‘fix’ operational problems that come to their
   attention, which is the responsibility of the CEO.


COUNCILLORS AND CEO
Critical to good governance is the relationship between councillors and the CEO.
The CEO is accountable to Council and is a valuable source of support, advice and
assistance to Councillors.




NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL                                                             PAGE 25