To consider and agree the audit and governance skills matrix and to seek the agreement of all A+G committee members to participate in the skills matrix audit.

John Coleman, Democratic Services Manager, introduced the report the purpose of which was for the Committee to consider and agree the audit and governance skills matrix and to seek all committee members’ participation in the skills matrix audit. 

During discussion the following principal points were made:

·         Members thanked the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee, Cllr Bolderson, for the work she had done on the audit and governance skills matrix.

·         The matrix review had highlighted that all committees of the Council could benefit from their Members having a breadth of knowledge.

·         The question was posed whether all committees should be based on this breadth of experience rather than being down to political group proportionality.

·         Group leaders could refer to the matrix when considering their committee nominations.

·         The matrix would be very useful for new Committee members and would be incorporated into the work programme for the new municipal year by highlighting any additional training sessions needed.

The Committee RECOMMENDED that:

1.    The Audit and Governance Skills Matrix as set out in Appendix A be agreed and that Committee Members commit to undertake and complete the matrix exercise.

2.    Members participate in the further timely development of the matrix to help identify any new training requirements or whether co-option of those with specialist skills is required. 

3.    Group Leaders to be invited to consider the skills matrix as a framework for gathering information on their political group membership.

4.    Consideration be given to producing an Audit and Governance handbook for current and future members of the Committee

ACTIONS:

1.    A date to be set for a workshop after the full Council meeting seeking agreement for the new constitutional changes.