Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the production of the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2021/22.

Josie Griffiths, Head of Audit and Risk presented the Production of the Annual Governance Statement (AGS).  The Committee noted this was a short report that gave clarity on timescales and that changes to accounts in current and previous deadlines meant this Statement was not in line with usual reporting timelines.

A draft AGS was expected in September, a final AGS in November and a training session would be scheduled for Members.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the Production of the Annual Governance Statement 2021/22 be received and noted.

To review and approve the Annual Governance Statement 2020/21.

Michael Todd, Acting Internal Audit Manager attended the meeting via Microsoft Teams, he introduced the item, gave some context to the report advising the Committee that there had been no significant changes from September 2021.  The Committee were given the opportunity to ask any questions.

The Committee reflected that when questions are asked within a Committee, where officers promise written answers, there should be assurance that these responses are distributed in correspondence to the whole Committee not just the person who asked the question.  The council should maintain a good communication policy and any drift or delay in responding should be avoided.

The Committee noted the list of training contained within the report and queried if this was monitored to ensure it was completed by Members.

Jane Burns, Executive Director of Corporate Services noted that Member training was overseen by the Member Input Panel who could judge effectiveness of Member Training.

The Committee gave thanks to staff working so hard and so well over the pandemic.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the Annual Governance Statement 2020/21 be approved.