The standard recognises public service organisations that bring extra rigour to decision-making through the frameworks they use.

Councillor Jenny Laing, council co-leader, said: “We’re delighted to be the first Scottish local authority to receive this sought-after accreditation, which reflects the hard work of staff over the last four years.

“Good governance ensures that an organisation focuses on its purpose – and has underpinned delivery of the city’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan. This award confirms excellence in our corporate approach, whilst recognising that we are on a journey of continuous improvement. At the end of day this is about making sure we deliver the right services in the right way for our customers and that we can account for our actions at every turn.”

In awarding the Mark of Excellence, CIPFA assessed the robustness of the council’s decision-making processes and interviewed staff across a range of services.

CIPFA said the council had demonstrated a clear sense of purpose, imagination and innovation during a time of organisational restructuring. It added that at a “time of continuing change” the council had “embedded culture, leadership, systems and processes towards good governance”.