Meeting: |
Audit and Governance Committee |
Meeting date: |
14/05/2025 |
Report of: |
Head of Internal Audit (Veritau) |
Portfolio of: |
Cllr Lomas Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion |
Audit and Governance Committee
Report:
Review of effectiveness
Subject of
Report
1. This report presents the results of the recent self-assessment survey of the Committee’s effectiveness and seeks members views on whether changes are required to current operating practices.
Policy Basis
2. The Audit and Governance Committee forms an important part of the Council’s overall framework of corporate governance, risk management and control. The Committee provides independent assurance to those charged with governance that the framework remains adequate. It also oversees the Council’s financial reporting and the preparation of the annual governance statement. As such the Committee contributes to the effective management of the Council’s functions and services, and helps to ensure the Council is accountable to its residents, communities and stakeholders.
Recommendation and Reasons
3. The Audit and Governance Committee is asked to:
- note the results of the self-assessment survey of the Committee’s effectiveness, and
- consider if any changes are required to its current methods of operating as a result of the feedback received
To ensure the Committee can continue to fulfil its responsibilities as set out in the Constitution and contribute to the effective operation of the Council’s corporate governance framework.
Background
Overview
4. The latest guidance on audit committees in local government, published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) in October 2022, recommends that audit committees should complete periodic self-assessments of their effectiveness. The outcomes should then help to support the preparation of the audit committee’s future work programme, training plans and the annual report. The exercise might also identify areas requiring changes or improvements in the Committee’s method of working or in how it communicates it activities to the Council’s leadership and wider public.
5. At the Committee’s meeting on 31 July 2024, Members agreed to complete an online survey to assess the Committee’s effectiveness. The questions in the survey were based on the CIPFA guidance but also reflected the Committee’s terms of reference. The survey was sent to all the Members of the Committee as well as those officers who regularly attend meetings. The initial deadline for responses was 8 December although the deadline was then extended to allow everyone the opportunity to respond.
6. The results of the survey are attached as annex 1.
Consultation Analysis
7. Not relevant for the purposes of this report.
Risks and Mitigations
8. The Audit and Governance Committee will fail to comply with recommended best practice if it does not periodically undertake a review of its own effectiveness and make changes to operating arrangements if these are considered necessary to fulfil its responsibilities.
Contact details
For further information please contact the author of this Report.
Author
Name: |
Max Thomas |
Job Title: |
Head of Internal Audit (Veritau) |
Service Area: |
Veritau Limited |
Telephone: |
01904 552940 |
Report approved: |
Yes |
Date: |
05/05/2025 |
Background papers
None
Annexes
· Annex 1: results of the self-assessment survey