To report progress made towards implementing the agreed action plan in response to issues identified in the 2019/20 annual governance statement in order that the committee may gain assurance that risks are being appropriately mitigated.

The chairperson introduced the item and as part of the discussion on the item, the following points were raised:

·         Appendix 1, number 4 – review of existing governance arrangements had been marked complete but the re-thinking governance working group was considering partnership arrangements.   It was reported that adults and communities had reviewed the health governance arrangements and confirmed that this would be included in the re-thinking governance work. 

·         There was no assurance on the direction of travel for those actions which were either orange or time delayed.   It was agreed that an arrow indicating this would be included within the next report.  

·         As part of the report on the annual governance statement for next year, there would be a review of the last three years would be included to check whether there was improvement. 

·         Appendix 1, number 6 - review of the performance, risk and opportunity management framework was marked as draft in December 2019.   The solicitor to the council confirmed that it was likely to be March 2019 and that the document would be updated. 

·         It was confirmed that in connection with partnership arrangements, the council did have the ability to audit and inspect the partners.   It was also reported that the other organisations who had arrangements with Hoople would also have a similar arrangement.  

·         The committee requested that for contracts there was the ability to audit them, specifically contracts on a framework which had specific costs plus margins, e.g. the contract with Balfour Beatty. 

·         It was confirmed that the intention was to ask Hoople to complete a partnership assurance document and then for the solicitor to the council and chief finance officer to speak to Grant Thornton. 

RESOLVED

That the report be noted