Issue - meetings

(a)       That the report be accepted; and

(b)       That the Internal Audit, Performance and Risk Manager undertake further investigations in respect of the action on anonymous allegations and report back to the next meeting.

The Internal Audit, Performance and Risk Manager presented an update on actions arising from previous meetings.  In respect of long-standing actions, an update would be reflected in the next report.

Councillor Andrew Parkhurst referred to the response to his query on the investigation into anonymous allegations discussed in November 2023 and queried why officers had opted to contact one specific organisation, given the range of others that could have been contacted.

The Internal Audit, Performance and Risk Manager agreed that she would endeavour to pursue further, however the responsible officer for the audit had left the Council.

Councillor Parkhurst acknowledged the sensitivities involved and suggested a further discussion to explore the matter further in closed session.  During debate, the Chair suggested that the Internal Audit Manager be allowed to review the query and report back to the next meeting, to which other Members indicated their support.  When asked by Councillor Glyn Banks, Councillor Parkhurst agreed with this approach and the possibility that this could be discussed in closed session.

On that basis, the recommendations were moved and seconded by Councillors Ted Palmer and Bernie Attridge.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report be accepted; and

(b)       That the Internal Audit, Performance and Risk Manager review the query raised by Councillor Parkhurst on the anonymous allegation and report back to the next meeting in an item to be held in closed session.