This project's final report and evaluation was completed on 3 June 2021.

Project approach

A legal provider was engaged, through a tender process conducted by LGA Procurement, to undertake a comprehensive review of the delegations resources provided by the LGA with the aim of reforming the resources to improve ease of use, improve flexibility, and ensure the resources are contemporary and reflect best practice.

To ensure a proper review was undertaken, new instruments of the delegation were prepared from scratch, without reliance on the previous instruments provided by the LGA as a base point. The delegations service expanded the number of Acts available to councils. The new instruments of the delegation were consulted with councils, the Office of Local Government, and the software provider (RelianSys) during their development and upon their completion.

Project achievements

The LGA Delegations Framework consists of 248 pages of delegable powers and functions under 67 legislative instruments, detailed instructions for use, 10 core templates including template instruments of delegation and reports to council, 3 online training videos, and numerous guidance papers and resources. The framework was released to councils in October 2020 and has been positively received. It is a free service provided to members, and the LGA will continue to provide legislative updates.

Project outputs and outcomes

A new suite of LGA delegation resources including:

• New guidance material for councils on preparing delegations and the role of delegations in the effective and efficient administration of councils
• New template resolutions for the making of delegations by councils
• New (simple, flexible and easy to use) delegation templates
• Delegation resources that can be easily integrated, and compatible, with IT solutions used by councils
• New template sub-delegation instruments for the Chief Executive Officer
• New guidance material for employees/committees/subsidiaries regarding responsibilities and obligations with regard to delegated powers and functions

Project distribution

The LGA Delegations Framework was released in October 2020 on the LGA's website. The Framework was also provided to RelianSys for integration into their software for councils to access. The LGA also has a dedicated Delegation Framework website for its member councils.

Performance measures

Feedback from councils, council administration, and the software provider (Reliansys) on the effectiveness of the new delegation resources.

Project impact

The new framework will create an additional short-term workload for councils as they update and transition to the new framework, but it will in the long term save councils time due to the simpler approach and less need for frequent updating. A pilot group of councils were asked to implement the new framework and provide feedback on any issues - all pilot councils reported back that they successfully implemented the framework without the need for additional resources to be added to the framework.

Project evaluation

A small group of pilot councils.