As one of the UK’s 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships, GBSLEP receives government funding. To ensure transparency, fairness and good practice GBSLEP is bound by its Assurance Framework.
Assurance Framework
The Assurance Framework sets out the GBSLEP’s operating arrangements and has been updated as part of GBSLEP's revision and adoption of the updated Articles of Association ( as of 28th April 2023). Revisions to the Articles of Association and the Assurance Framework have been made to facilitate GBSLEP's Transition Plan as we prepare to close the company during the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. GBSLEP is being wound down as a result of a Central Government decision to transfer some functions and activities to democratically elected local bodies such as West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council.The revised Assurance Framework more suitably reflects the GBSLEP’s needs and required governance arrangements for its operations moving forward. It describes how we will approve, deliver and manage the programme of projects benefitting from public funding. This supports the process of devolution and gives confidence to both local partners and Central Government that appropriate arrangements are in place to deliver a fair and transparent programme. GBSLEP views this Framework as a live document. It is therefore our intention that this Framework is subject to annual review. Agreement for proposed changes to this Framework will be sought from the LEP Board (or the Chief Executive where the LEP Board has delegated responsibility for Administrative changes) and the Accountable Body, with further endorsement sought from the Supervisory Board as appropriate.
We keep the Framework under review and expect to make the next set of material changes only if the National Assurance Framework is further updated and any material changes need to be made to our Assurance Framework.
Download the GBSLEP Assurance Framework here.
Individual appendices of the Assurance Framework can be found here.
We have recently moved office premises and individual appendices are being updated to reflect this. We will update the full combined document as we make the next set of material changes.
At the February 2023 Board Meeting, the Board agreed to withdraw the “stand-by” status of the Recovery Task Force. The Terms of Reference therefore no longer for part of the LEP Governance.
Download the Roles and Responsibilities for the GBSLEP Chair here.
GBSLEP is required to provide a written assurance statement to Government. The latest statement is available here.
GBSLEP’s Assurance Framework has been developed to meet the criteria set out in the National Assurance Framework, which can be found here.
In accordance with the provisions of the GBSLEP Local Assurance Framework as set out in Appendix 11, and the provisions of the National Local Growth Assurance Framework published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the LEP Executive compiles a Register of Gifts and Hospitality received by Board Members and members of the LEP Executive. The current version can be found here.
Constitution
GBSLEP was constituted as a company limited by guarantee in May 2011. The LEP has two Company Members – Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. The LEP has an Annual Conference/AGM every year, which presents an opportunity for the LEP Board to report on progress and for company members and wider stakeholders to hold Directors to account for performance.The LEP’s Articles of Association can be read here. The Articles were most recently amended on 28th April 2023.
Annual Accounts
As a company limited by guarantee, GBSLEP is required to submit annual accounts to Companies House. The accounts for the year ended 31st March 2022 were audited by Dains LLP and approved by the GBSLEP Board on 4th November 2022.The accounts for the year ended 31st March 2022 - can be read here.
The accounts for the year ended 31st March 2021 – can be read here.
The accounts for the year ended 31st March 2020 – can be read here.
The accounts for the 10 months ending 31st March 2019 - can be read here.
The accounts for the year ending 31st May 2018 – can be read here.
2017/18 Statutory Accounts Clarification Note supports the 31st May 2018 return:
The figure for ‘Cash at bank and in hand’ at the year-end in the 2018 Balance Sheet of £76,606,136 (2017 £81,383,823) comprises capital grant funding received prior to distribution to applicants for projects that support the delivery of the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan and meet the requirements of the Assurance Framework and Business Rates Pool income received prior to its expenditure on approved revenue projects, as well as cash for operational purposes.
Details of all the filing history for the GBSLEP at Companies House can be accessed here.
Code of Conduct
The GBSLEP Board has agreed to adopt a Code of Conduct, based on the Nolan Principles. The Code of Conduct sets out how all GBSLEP Board Directors will act when carrying out their roles with GBSLEP, including how they will register and declare their interests.
To see the Code of Conduct, click here.
Complaints
GBSLEP has agreed a Complaints & Confidential Complaints Procedure, which sets out how complaints, confidential complaints and anonymous complaints can be raised; how those complaints will be handled; and where they will be escalated if the complainant is dissatisfied with GBSLEP’s response.
To see the complaints procedure, click here.
Whistleblowing
GBSLEP has agreed a Whistleblowing procedure that sets out how concerns about GBSLEP’s conduct – and the conduct of Board Directors and staff members – can be raised.
To see the Whistleblowing procedure, click here.
Equality & Diversity
The GBSLEP Board is proud to represent one of the most diverse city regions in Europe. As diversity is integral to the strength of our economy, so too is it vital to the performance of the LEP. The LEP Board therefore intends that its own membership, that of its governance structure and the LEP Executive is equally diverse and inclusive, with a broad mix of ages, genders, races and sectors in its makeup, and is taking steps to achieve this.Appointments to the Board are overseen by the Nominations Committee. When making appointments to the Board, the Committee will consider candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, taking full account of the diversity of Greater Birmingham & Solihull’s population, and has a further duty to make recommendations to the Board concerning its diversity so as to ensure its make-up is reflective of the local business community.
Equality and diversity is a key principle of Birmingham City Council’s staff code of conduct, to which the LEP Executive has agreed to adhere.
Unacceptable Behaviour Policy
At GBSLEP team members are expected to treat individuals with courtesy, respect and fairness. Similarly, GBSLEP expects employees to be treated in the same way. The company has a duty to protect the welfare and safety of staff. We have an unacceptable behaviour policy. Click here.
Sustainability Policy
The Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) recognises the urgent
need to take action in order to prevent catastrophic Climate Change and the Biodiversity crisis,
whilst creating a more prosperous and equal society. To read our sustainability policy, click here.
Contact
For any governance related matters, please contact the Head of Governance Edward Scutt, hello@GBSLEP.co.uk