Welcome to Governance Services, a division of local government responsible for the day-to-day running of the authority, from upholding the democratic process to registering births, marriages and deaths in Sandwell MBC. This page will help increase your awareness of the division as a whole, and will also highlight the individual units and unit leaders that contribute to the operation of a successful and forward-thinking authority.

What does ‘Governance Services’ mean?

The title ‘Governance Services’ applies to the overall aim of the division. The word ‘governance’ has been defined as ‘…the act of affecting government and monitoring (through policy) the long-term strategy and direction of an organization. [It] comprises the traditions, institutions and processes that determine how power is exercised, how citizens are given a voice, and how decisions are made on issues of public concern…’ The units within Governance Services contribute in varying degrees to this aim.

Which units compose Governance Services?

Governance Services comprises five units and three sub-units, all of which play pivotal roles in the workings of the council. These units are:

• Democratic Services Unit - led by David Haywood who is Governance Services Manager. Dave is responsible for Electoral Services
• Members’ Services Unit - led by Lindsey Rogers who is Governance Services Manager. Lindsey is responsible for Members’ Services, Civic Affairs, Chief Executive's Secretariat, Leadership and Cabinet Secretariat
• Registrars - led by Paul Sheldon who is the Registration Services Manager
• Resilience Unit - Led by Adriel Lowe who is the Resilience Services Manager

Each unit is responsible for a different aspect of the authority, from areas as diverse as planning for crises in the community to supporting councillors in their duties. Every unit represents a link in a chain. They execute their individual responsibilities and contribute to the lawful and successful running of the council.

The Head of Governance Services is Sue Phelps. She can be reached on 0121 569 3151.