Head of Strategy and Democracy: Peter Finnis
The Strategy and Democracy Service Area is organised into four teams.
Local Democracy
Primary responsibilties are for the administration of the Council's Constitution and formal decision making processes, the administration of the electoral register, conduct of elections, support and guidance to councillors and administration of the Mayor's office.
Strategic Development
Primary responsibilities are to lead on the Council's development of corporate strategies, co-ordinate performance monitoring across the Council, conduct strategic research and provide a co-ordinating role for external partnerships in respect of community safety and community planning.
Communications and Participation
Primary responsibilities are to conduct the Council's press and public relations, undertake strategic consultation, manage the complaints procedure, deliver consistent internal and external communications, liaise with filming companies and oversee the Council's emergency planning arrangements, including business continuity and risk management.
Legal Services
The Legal Services team provides a variety of services for the council, including:
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preparation of contracts
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advice on procurement of outside services
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assisting in planning matters
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litigating on the Council’s behalf
We also keep copies of the council’s byelaws and the Head of Legal Services acts as Monitoring Officer.
We do not provide legal services directly to the public. We only represent the council's interests and cannot get involved in private disputes, wills, probate or any other legal issue on behalf of a member of the public.
