Governance and assurance: Local authority ‘Golden Triangle’

Overview

The Golden Triangle comprises local government’s three highest profile statutory roles of head of paid service, chief finance officer (section 151 officer), and monitoring officer.

These three roles all have distinct legal roles and responsibilities, which together maintain the organisation’s corporate health and effectiveness. They also have personal duties under legislation and professional ethical codes in relation to their behaviour and actions. The statutory officers are expected to advise clearly with impartiality and integrity.

The three roles should meet regularly to discuss issues of concern and to agree actions when required. Such meetings may include other colleagues such as the head of internal audit, or other statutory officers, where appropriate. 

The Golden Triangle should provide mutual trusted support but also recognise the separation of powers and duties between the three roles, so that each is able to demonstrate independence, challenge, and balance to deliver better governance outcomes across the authority.

Through working closely together, the Golden Triangle can ensure the effective administrative, financial, and ethical governance of a local authority in the exercise of its functions. 

For the next series of events, please check back shortly to complete our register of interest form or email [email protected] to hear when this is available

A triangular diagram with the head of paid service at the top then, monitoring officer and Chief finance officer with arrows leading to each other

The Code of Practice for Good Governance published by CIPFA, LLG and Solace supports officers in statutory roles to work effectively together as a Golden Triangle, with a focus on:

  • setting clear expectations for how the Golden Triangle should work
  • clarity on the independence of each role and how these should interact
  • the importance of strategic influence and a duty of enquiry
  • linking to members' understanding and acting in accordance with the code of conduct and the Nolan principles.

Support available to develop your golden triangle:

CIPFA, LLG, and SOLACE offer leadership development programmes for their respective officer cohorts and develop in partnership with the LGA  a programme of events for the Golden Triangle bringing together these three statutory roles. 

For the next series of events, please check back shortly to complete our register of interest form or email [email protected] to hear when this is available.

Case studies

We are gathering good practice case studies from councils to share learning across the sector. Please email [email protected] to for more information on how to contribute.