Report of the Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report seeking consideration of a request to change the Council’s Constitution regarding the number of Cabinet meetings held in any one year.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The amendment to the Council’s Constitution would give Cabinet the flexibility to ensure the Council’s decision making process remained robust.

THE DECISION:

That Council be recommended to amend Paragraph 1.6 of the Cabinet Procedure Rules as set out in paragraph 2.3 of the report.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 22 September 2015 (AGS.12 to AGS.14), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 22 September 2015 (AGS.12 - AGS.14), previously circulated, be signed as a correct record.

Report of the Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director 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 from time to time 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:-

(1)     the current Policy on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act be approved with the proposed amendment replacing Director of Support Services to Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive; and

(2)     it be noted that no RIPA authorisations were made by the Council during the period 17 June to 27 October 2015.

Report of the Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report informing Members of progress made to date in delivering the Internal Audit Plan for 2015/16 and any developments likely to have an impact on the plan throughout the remainder of the financial year.

In the period between 1 April 2015 and 30 September 2015, Veritau North Yorkshire (VNY) had completed 1 internal audit review on the Whistleblowing Policy to final report stage.  A further audit on Information Governance had been completed and a draft report issued, 3 audits (Website Management, Customer Complaints and Safeguarding Children) were ongoing.  Planning had started for 5 other audits and draft timings for future 2015/16 audits had been discussed with officers.  For those audits that had not yet started, details of the proposed start dates were detailed in the report.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the statutory requirement under the Accounts and Audit Regulations.

THE DECISION:

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

Report of the Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director 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:-

(1)     the revised risk management guidance be approved; and

(2)     any changes to the high risk items in the strategic corporate risk register are reported to the Committee.

Report of the Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director 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.