Self-assessment learning tool designed to help councils
The Office of the Ombudsman has developed a self-assessment learning tool designed to help councils improve the way they manage requests under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).
One of the purposes of the LGOIMA is to increase the availability of information held by councils and to promote the open and public transaction of business at meetings.
Without access to accurate and timely information about the work of councils, the public cannot participate in local government processes in a meaningful way.
The tool is primarily based on the requirements of the LGOIMA and includes best practice indicators for proactive release of information and how informal meetings (like workshops) are conducted.
Other key indicators include the importance of good information management systems and record keeping.
- The tool is structured into five modules:
- Leadership and culture
- Organisation structure, staffing and capability
- Internal policies, procedures and resources
- Current practices
- Performance monitoring and learning.
The Chief Ombudsman John Allen encourages all councils to use the tool.
“ As stewards of the LGOIMA it is important that councils strive for excellence in their LGOIMA practices. By using this tool, agencies will realise not only the operational benefit of their practices around information requests, but also the reputational benefit of signalling a desire to promote openness and transparency.
“Helping to improve administrative practice when councils are taking action and making decisions that affect people’s lives can only improve accountability and integrity while safeguarding and promoting democracy in New Zealand.”