Agenda and minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 8 May 2017

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 May 2017 were signed as a correct record.

Councillors/Staff to give notice of any disclosable pecuniary interest, other registrable interest or any other interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

None declared.

To answer questions from members of the public – submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than 5.00 pm, 2 working days before the meeting.

None received.

The Assurance, Risk and Audit Manager submitted a report that sought to set out how the Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) would deliver its service in line with the Public Sector Internal Auditing Standard 1311 (PSIAS).

The report contained the results of the self-assessment and subsequent action plan.

Councillor D Fairbairn commented if we are compliant why has it been ticked that we are not compliant, Councillor D Fairbairn also expressed his concerns about not being compliant.

John Farrar, External Audit indicated that in his experience arrangements differed from council to council and the indicated non-compliance was not necessarily something to be concerned about. John Farrar, External Audit noted that self-assessments against Public Sector Internal Auditing Standards at councils often raised areas of apparent non-compliance for different reasons. John Farrar, External Audit asked The Assurance, Risk and Audit Manager whether she had direct access to the Chief Executive as necessary, The Assurance, Risk and Audit Manager confirmed she has regular meetings with the Chief Executive and The Corporate Director.

The Assurance, Risk and Audit Manager asked members to agree with the recommendations.

The Head of Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report setting out the Council’s draft Annual Governance Statement for 2016/17. The Council was required to prepare and publish an Annual Governance Statement to meet the statutory requirements set out in the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2015.

Members noted the report.

Councillor D Fairbairn asked how many complaints/whistle blowing we had received.

The Assurance, Risk and Audit Manager confirmed complaints are reported to the Senior Management Team every month and these are submitted into the performance report. With regards to Whistleblowing we receive annual feedback which none have been reported.

Councillor A Davis-Johnston suggested merging sections 3.9 and 3.19 or bring them closer together in the report.

The Assurance, Risk and Audit Manager agreed this was a good suggestion and a good approach. The Procurement documents are currently being updated.

The Audit Committee approved the draft Annual Governance Statement and agreed the recommendations.

Councillor D Fairbairn moved approval.

Councillor M Bainbridge seconded.

Members to have debriefing sessions after the meetings to commence from 21 August 2017.

These sessions will include any development opportunities and to discuss how the meeting has gone and how they can be improved.