When governance is successful, people inside and outside a council will have confidence in the workings of the organisation.

Members will understand the challenges they face and have the best advice available to them before making decisions. Staff will feel they are being given the scope to offer advice and that it will be fully considered when decisions are being made. Stakeholders will feel consulted and involved, particularly on boundary issues or where there may be implications for the way they work. And citizens will feel that, despite the sometimes protestations of the local media, councillors have their best interests at heart – and they will feel they have had a say on big issues.