9.1.3 Delegation of powers and responsibilities from governing body to chief executive

The governing body and local boards have delegated to the chief executive many of their responsibilities, duties and powers. This is referred to as the general delegation [1]. Local board delegations to the chief executive are also subject to the local board delegation protocols.
In exercising delegated powers, the chief executive respects the institutional boundary between his/her role as the council’s operational head (with responsibility for administration, operations and service delivery) and elected members’ governance role. The chief executive may refer a matter [back] to the entity which delegated the power in the first place, ie governing body, a local board [2] or a committee or subcommittee of the governing body or local board for a decision [3].
This may be appropriate where, for example, in the chief executive’s opinion a matter is contentious, or political input is needed because of the high degree of policy involved. The governing body, local board or committee may also request the chief executive to refer a matter for a decision.
In exercising his/her delegated authority, the chief executive must comply with any relevant conditions (e.g. financial limits [4], local board protocols and reporting or other procedural requirements), and all applicable council policies [5].