Constitution

Find out what the constitution is and what it does.

We have a constitution which sets out:

  • how the council operates
  • how decisions are made
  • the procedures which are followed to make sure that these are efficient, transparent and accountable.

Some of these processes are needed by the law, while others have been decided by the council.

The constitution is in nine parts.

Constitution's updates

Please note that the City Council’s Constitution was updated at a meeting of Full Council on 22 May 2018 and the associated documents are in the process of being amended.

If you have any queries please contact democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk

Summary and explanation

Part 1 Summary and explanation (pdf, 38k) (opens new window)

Articles of the constitution

Part 2 Articles of the constitution (pdf, 229k) (opens new window)

Responsibility for functions

Part 3 Responsibility for functions (pdf, 441k) (opens new window)

Amendment: Responsibility for functions: delegation of executive function (pdf, 13k) (opens new window)

Amendment: Responsibility for functions: Public health contracts waiver (pdf, 17k) (opens new window)

Council procedure rules

Part 4 Council procedure rules (pdf, 65k) (opens new window). These govern the way the council operates, including:

Codes and protocols

Part 5 Codes and protocols. These are the codes of conduct for councillors, council employees and members' relations

Members’ allowances scheme 2011 to 16

Part 6 Members' allowances scheme 2011 to 16 (pdf, 187k) (opens new window)

Council’s management structure

Part 7 Council's management structure

Members contact details

Part 8 Members contact details. Names and contact details for our councillors

Forward plan

Part 9 Mayor's Forward plan. Key decisions to be taken by the council in the next four months.

Officer Schemes of Delegation

Schemes of Delegation explain who can take which decisions on behalf of the council. 

All decision-making power ultimately rests either with the Mayor “executive powers”, or with Full Council “non-executive powers”.

In the Constitution the Mayor and Full Council delegate many of their powers to others, including to the Chief Executive, the Strategic Directors, and a few other statutory and proper officers such as the Service Directors for Finance and Legal.

These individuals then delegate many of their powers to other Officers. They do this in the Officer Schemes of Delegation. There's an Officer Scheme of Delegation for each Directorate, and for Finance and HR: