Agenda item

(a)       That the findings of the Corporate Self-Assessment 2021/22 be noted and accepted; and

(b)       That the opportunities for improvement identified in the Corporate Self-Assessment 2021/22 be noted and accepted.

The Chief Executive presented a report on the findings and improvement plan following completion of the Council’s first Corporate Self-Assessment 2021/22.  The report set out the three-stage approach which focussed on eight key themes.  The findings identified that the Council exercised its functions effectively, used resources efficiently and that effective governance was in place, with partnership working scored as ‘very best practice’.

The Chief Officer (Governance) provided information on actions being taken in response to three questions identified as having evidence but in need of further action.  The actions set out in section 6 of the document would be achieved over the short term to deliver real benefits.

Councillor Bill Crease raised concerns about the lack of Member involvement in the process to independently scrutinise actions.

The point was acknowledged by the Chief Executive who said that Member feedback would form part of the process in future.  This was the Council’s first self-assessment which had been independently reviewed and challenged by the Internal Audit team.  Sharing the report with this Committee provided an opportunity for feedback prior to consideration by the Governance & Audit Committee and then onto Cabinet.

The Chairman suggested that stage two of the process could be undertaken jointly by Members and officers.

The Chief Officer (Governance) explained the requirement for a corporate peer assessment to be undertaken every five years in conjunction with other authorities.  He advised that although the duty on the self-assessment came into effect from April 2022, the report included arrangements for 2021/22 as a pilot.  In agreeing with the points made about Member consultation, he said that similar arrangements could be put in place to those already incorporated in the process for developing the Annual Governance Statement.

On the recommendations in the report, Councillor Allan Marshall questioned whether it was more appropriate for the Committee to accept rather than approve.  The Chief Executive and Chair were in agreement as it was for Cabinet to approve.

Following further comments by Councillor Crease on the role of Members, the Chief Executive provided clarification on the reporting process.

The Chairman made the following comments:

Councillor Ian Roberts thanked Members for their comments which would be reported to the Governance & Audit Committee and Cabinet.  He supported the suggestion for Member involvement in an earlier stage of the process.

The recommendations, as amended, were moved and seconded by Councillors Allan Marshall and Bill Crease.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the findings of the Corporate Self-Assessment 2021/22 be noted and accepted; and

(b)       That the opportunities for improvement identified in the Corporate Self-Assessment 2021/22 be noted and accepted.