Preparing for Local Government Reorganisation – the process and the outcome
September 7, 2026
Preparing for a change in political control or no overall control
September 7, 2026Moving from a committee system to an executive/cabinet model
Purpose of the Module
In the context of the statutorily required move from the committee system to an executive model for most councils (and the compulsory executive system for new unitary councils following LGR ) this module will explore the key features of an executive decision-making model and the particular differences from the committee system to equip officers making this change or moving to new councils.
Perfect for
Any officer who needs familiarisation with the executive system. Particularly useful for officers in the corporate core of the organisation or close to the decision-making process
Module Content
- The context for the discussion for your council (LGR? Required move under the 2026 Act?)
- An outline of how an executive model works - everything you need to know
- The similarities between a committee and executive governance model including:
- The basics of good governance
- Robust and lawful decision-making
- Member/officer relations
- Planning/licensing - quasi judicial functions
- Audit and standards
- The key differences and pinch-points including:
- The role of Full Council - budget and policy framework
- The role of the Leader
- The Cabinet and individual portfolio holders
- The critical distinction between executive and non-executive functions
- The role of overview and scrutiny including call-in
- Important procedural points re executive decision-making including the Forward Plan, key decisions, officer decision-making, urgency provisions
- Scenarios to bring it all to life!
- Practical actions and next steps
The training was fantastic - we have had great feedback from the committee members. It was incredibly informative but also accessible and relevant.
