Report of the Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive presented the results of a review of the Committee’s terms of reference.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To fulfil the Audit Commission’s good practice requirement to the annual review and incorporate the audit terms of reference suggested by CIPFA.

THE DECISION:

That Council be recommended to:

(1)     note the annual review of the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee’s terms of reference; and

(2)     approve the terms of reference for the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee as set out in Annex A of the report.

Report of the Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report which set out minor amendments to the list of Chairman’s Duties/Functions as adopted by Council in December 2013.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To enable the Chairman of Council to attend functions and carry out the duties as prescribed within the Constitution.

THE DECISION:

That Council be recommended to:-

(1)     approve the list of Chairman’s Duties and Functions as set out in Annex A of the report; and

(2)     include the list of Chairman’s Duties and Functions in Part 2 Schedule 2 of the Council’s Constitution.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2014 (AGS.12 – AGS.13), previsouly circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 September 2014 (AGS.12 - AGS.16), previously circulated, be signed as a correct record.

Report of the Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report advising the Committee that the Council, like many public authorities, was governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).  This Act ensured that public authorities complied with their obligations under the Human Rights Act when undertaking investigations which might interfere with the rights of individuals.  The Act introduced safeguards on activities such as surveillance undertaken by public bodies.  The Committee had now been given responsibility for RIPA matters.  This would involve the Committee reviewing the Council’s Policy Statement and receiving quarterly reports on any activities which had been authorised under RIPA.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To comply with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

THE DECISION:

That it be noted that no RIPA authorisations will be made by the Council during the period 1 July – 30 September 2014.

Report of the Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report informing Members of progress made to date in delivering the Internal Audit Plan for 2014/15.

Veritau North Yorkshire (VNY) had completed 3 out of 19 internal audit reviews to final report stage and a further 2 audits were in progress and close to draft report stage.  Planning for a further 4 audits had started with fieldwork about to commence.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the work of Internal Audit to date.

THE DECISION:

That the work undertaken by Internal Audit in the year to date be noted.

Report of the Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report which set out a revised risk management guidance document which included the Council’s process and policy in respect of Risk Management.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To give approval to the implementation of revised procedures.

THE DECISION:

That the revised risk management guidance be approved.

Report of the Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which set out the Council’s risk management process which included a comprehensive risk register.  The risk register was divided into operational and strategic risks; operational risks were those affecting individual services and tended to involve the day to day running of those services, whilst strategic risks affected the whole Council and were wide reaching, both in terms of timescales and impact.  The Committee was asked to review these risks.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

A critical purpose of the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee was to monitor the Strategic Risks affecting the Council ensuring that these were appropriately measured and that suitable actions were undertaken to mitigate the effect of each risk.

THE DECISION:

That the strategic risks affecting the Council and the actions that are in place to mitigate the impact upon the Council of each risk be noted.