LLG and ADSO issue model procedure rules and protocol for management of remote meetings

The Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) and Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) have produced model procedure rules and protocol for the management of remote meetings.

This follows the Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 coming into force on 4 April.

ADSO and LLG said the procedure rules and protocol set out the legal requirements for local authorities to follow whilst also enabling councils to adapt their application to suit their own local circumstances and the technology at their disposal.

The document covers:

  • Introduction and application of the Remote Meetings Procedure Rules.
  • Annual meeting.
  • How will notice of meetings and papers be provided?
  • How will remote access to meetings be provided?
  • Management of remote meetings for members.
  • Remote attendance of the public.
  • Meeting procedures.
  • Declaration of interests.
  • Exclusion of public and press.
  • Public access to meeting documentation following the meeting.

LLG President Quentin Baker and ADSO Chair John Austin said: “We are pleased that our two associations have once again led the way in providing support and guidance for the governance of local authority meetings in England during the current restrictions.

“Our members are committed to ensuring that remote meetings run efficiently and that the integrity and transparency of those meetings and the decisions taken are preserved.”