Issue - meetings

To note the contents of Internal Audit’s Annual Report for 2012/13.

Consideration was given to this report on the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s control environment for 2012/13, produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government.  The report of the Internal Auditors included a detailed summary of the audit work carried out during the year and the relative outputs from that work.

With reference to the review of Whistleblowing arrangements, which had concluded that the Council’s arrangements remained in line with best practice, some members expressed concern at the confidentiality clause associated with compromise agreements as it was thought that it could prevent officers from being able to speak out on matters of concern.  The Monitoring Officer advised that this was appropriate standard practice in Authorities.  It was reported that further work on this remained to be done, and it was already included in the work plan for the coming year; in addition the Chief Operating Officer agreed to discuss the concerns further with the appropriate Human Resources Officer or Member Group.

RESOLVED

1.    That the contents if the Internal Auditors report for 2012/13 be noted.

2.    That the Chief Operating Officer refer the concerns of the Committee regarding the application of a confidentiality clause in compromise agreements to the appropriate Human Resources Officer or Member Group.