Issue - meetings

That the amended name of Council’s Audit Committee be acknowledged and the new functions set out in the Act included within the Terms of Reference of the renamed Committee.

The Internal Audit Manager presented a report to note the change in the name of the Audit Committee to the Governance and Audit Committee, with additional functions to be reflected in the Terms of Reference.  The changes would be reported to the Constitution & Democratic Services Committee prior to approval by County Council for implementation from April 2021.  As reported at the previous meeting, further changes to the composition of the renamed Committee would be introduced from May 2022.

In response to a question from Sally Ellis, the Internal Audit Manager said that a timetable would be prepared in conjunction with the Forward Work Programme to ensure that the Committee was equipped with the necessary information and training to fulfil its new duties.  This included the potential for joint training sessions with other councils.  Clarification was also given to Allan Rainford on independent panel reports on peer assessments with other councils under the new duties.

Councillor Paul Johnson spoke about the need for the governance aspects to be included in the statutory audit training given to those serving on the Committee.  This was acknowledged by the Chief Officer (Governance) who referred to engagement with other councils on consistent interpretation of the new requirements.  A change to the wording in section 7.02 of the Terms of Reference was agreed for clarity.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Janet Axworthy and seconded by Sally Ellis.

RESOLVED:

That the amended name of Council’s Audit Committee be acknowledged and the new functions set out in the Act included within the Terms of Reference of the renamed Committee.