URL: https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=214

Decision Maker: Council, Audit and Standards Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Annual Report of the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee (the Committee) summarises the Committee’s activities during 2023-24 and sets out its plans for the next twelve months. This report provides independent assurance that the Council has in place: i. Adequate and effective governance, risk management and internal control frameworks; ii. Internal and External Audit services; and iii. Financial reporting arrangements that can be relied upon and which contribute to the high corporate governance standards that this Council expects and maintains

Content: Councillor Hughes, Chair of Audit and Standards Committee, introduced the annual report and highlighted the following key points: ·         The Council was responsible for ensuring that its business was conducted lawfully and to proper standards. ·         The Audit and Standards Committee was a core component of the Council’s effective governance. The Committee’s role was to independently oversee and assess the internal control environment (comprising governance, risk management and control) and advise the Council on the adequacy and effectiveness of these arrangements. ·         The Council’s Audit and Standards Committee was established in line with guidance issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). ·         The report provided independent assurance that the Council had in place adequate and effective governance, risk management and internal control frameworks and Internal and External Audit services. ·         Section 4 highlighted the achievements of the Committee in the last year.   Councillor Turner advised that the refreshed CIPFA guidance recommended that Audit and Standards Committees had two independent members and queried if the Council was still comfortable not having these in place. Councillor Hughes confirmed that he would take the question away and come back outside of the meeting.   Proposed by Councillor Hughes and seconded by Councillor Pearcy.   Councillor Pearcy stated that the work of the Audit and Standards Committee was well supported by internal auditors who provided a very professional service. He also confirmed that they would take away and consider Councillor Turners comments about independent members.   Councillor Hughes endorsed the Councillor Pearcy’s comments and offered his thanks to Stephanie Payne, who had recently left the internal audit team, for her work over the last few years.   On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried unanimously.   RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2023-24 be approved as recommended by the Audit and Standards Committee.  

Date of Decision: July 18, 2024