At the GLA we have a clear set of procedures governing how we work. These procedures ensure we do everything in a responsible, efficient and effective way on behalf of London and Londoners.
Ensuring we work in a responsible, efficient and effective way
We are committed to making it easy for everyone to find out about our procedures. You can take a look at our procedures here:
General GLA procedures
1. GLA Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan sets out priorities for London for the medium and short term, with a three year rolling horizon.
2. The GLA budget
The GLA sets a budget for itself and the four functional bodies (Transport for London, the London Development Agency, the Metropolitan Police Authority, and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority). The Mayor sets the budgets unless the London Assembly can achieve a two-thirds majority in favour of alternative budget proposals. For more details see the GLA budget.
3. Schemes of Delegation
The Scheme of Delegation for the Mayor sets out the authority given by the Mayor to other persons and bodies (including the GLA Group and other agencies, and officers within the GLA) that provides them with the necessary formal authority to deliver the Mayor’s vision and priorities for London.
The Scheme of Delegation for the Assembly details the functions of the London Assembly afforded to it under the GLA Acts which it has delegated to its committees and to GLA staff.
The Scheme of Delegation for the Head of Paid Service (Chief Executive) details the functions afforded to him/her under the GLA Act and other legislation which are delegated to GLA staff.
4. Decision making frameworks
The decision making frameworks for the GLA and London Assembly put the processes, controls and frameworks in place to ensure decisions made by the GLA and Assembly are robust, legal and properly documented.
- GLA Decision making PDF
- GLA Decision making RTF
- Assembly Decision making PDF
- Assembly Decision making RTF
5. Standing Orders
The GLA's Standing Orders is a set of rules governing the way the Assembly, Mayor and specific GLA staff operate.
6. Equalities framework
Equality is one of our corporate governance principles. The 'Equalities framework' sets out the Mayor's vision of a London where there are Equal Life Chances for All.
7. Finance manual and financial regulations
The GLA's Finance manual and financial regulations set out how the GLA's finances are managed and how decisions can be made on expenditure. It includes the Expenses and benefits framework..
8. Procurement framework
Procurement information relating to the core GLA - how goods and services will be purchased, and the processes for doing so - is supplemented by the GLA Group Responsible Procurement microsite.
9. Risk management
The GLA's risk management policy states how the organisation will ensure the successful delivery of its business through the effective management of risk.
10. Health and safety
The Health and safety policy describes the GLA's obligations and explains how the GLA expects to manage them.
11. Data protection
The GLA's Data protection policy outlines how the GLA will handle any personal data it collects, holds and uses, in accordance with the eight data protection principles of the Data Protection Act 1998.
12. Information security
The Information security framework aims to ensure that the GLA's information is kept safe and secure and that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to minimise any risk of misuse, loss or damage to information.
13. Human Resources policies and procedures
For information about working at the GLA, see our Jobs section which includes curent vacancies, benefits of working for the GLA and standard terms and conditions.
14. Vexatious behaviour
The vexatious behaviour policy gives definitions of vexatious or abusive contact and outlines for staff a strategy for dealing with this type of contact.
15. Regulation of Investigatory Powers
The GLA's policy with respect to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 , which is concerned with the regulation of surveillance by public authorities in the conduct of their legitimate business.
16. Planning Code of Conduct and Protocols
The Planning Code of Conduct for elected and co-opted members of the GLA and the planning protocols for staff with delegated authority and all other staff have been produced to guide the way in which members and officers of the GLA deal with planning matters and to set the standard of conduct which other parties to the process can expect of them. The Code is additional to the GLA Code of Conduct (see Standards of behaviour).
The Planning Code of Conduct and Protocols have been produced having regard to current best practice and guidance from Government, Local Government Association and Standards for England.
17. Transition Guides
The GLA has produced two Transition guide documents, for potential candidates and City Hall staff, to ensure any handover of power following the next GLA elections is swift, smooth and effective.
18. Protocol for Statutory Officers
The GLA has three statutory officers - its Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer, and Chief Finance Officer. There is a protocol outlining the roles and appointment processes for these posts.
Protocol for Statutory Officers PDF
Protocol for Statutory Officers RTF
19. Protocol for Mayoral Appointments
The Mayor can appoint directly two political advisors and ten policy advisors:
Protocol on Mayoral appointments PDF
Protocol on Mayoral appointments RTF
In line with his commitment to promote transparency and accountability, the Mayor publishes details of all of his senior appointments online.
20. The Head of Paid Service's role
The Head of Paid Service of the GLA has particular responsibilities regarding staffing:
Head of Paid Service staffing protocol PDF
Head of Paid Service staffing protocol RTF
Mayoral procedures
21. Mayor's decisions
The Mayor rather than GLA officers approves proposals for new or significant initiatives and those where expenditure will be over £50,000. From 6 April 2009 Mayor's decisions have been published on the website.
(Note: From November 2010 Directors' decisions are also published on the website.)
22. Mayor's priorities and strategies
The Mayor's priorities pages set out how he will tackle specific issues in London; the Mayor's publications pages provide access to his policy documents and strategies.
Assembly procedures
23. Assembly meetings
Meetings of the London Assembly and its committees are open to the public, and meetings papers including reports are published on the website. See the Assembly public meetings page.
24. Scrutiny function
The London Assembly holds the Mayor to account through investigations of his strategies, decisions and actions.
25. Mayor's Question Time
There are ten Mayor's Question Time meetings of the London Assembly each year, open to the public, where the Mayor responds to questions from Assembly Members. The questions and answers are available as a searchable database, Mayor Answers to London.
