Issue - meetings

That the report be accepted.

The Internal Audit, Performance & Risk Manager presented an update on actions arising from previous meetings.

Whilst noting the response to his query on unvalued artefacts held in the Archives, Councillor Andrew Parkhurst questioned whether there was a process to identify missing items as well as considering the financial implications.  He acknowledged the response on how the accounts reflected senior managers’ remuneration where they were also directors of companies doing business with the Council.  However he said that this would only apply where the individual’s salary was above the reporting threshold and therefore his concerns about transparency remained.

The Corporate Finance Manager said that the response which had been shared detailed the prescribed format used for the accounts.

On the process for dealing with officers’ interests, the Chief Officer (Governance) advised that a recent review by Internal Audit had identified the need for further training.  When followed correctly, the process prevented interests from impacting on Council functions.

During the discussion, Councillor Parkhurst commented on a particular case on which he felt the Committee should have oversight, particularly as information was available elsewhere in the public domain.  The Chief Officer explained that the process enabled managers to manage the interests of their staff.  His suggestion to discuss further with Councillor Parkhurst and the Corporate Finance Manager outside the meeting was accepted.

The recommendation was moved and seconded by Brian Harvey and Sally Ellis.

RESOLVED:

That the report be accepted.