Agenda

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutions.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2025 and the carry-over meeting held on 21 October 2025 as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from Councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

Committee is asked:

1.    To note the Internal Audit Progress Report – October 2025 (Appendix A)

2.    To note the Internal Audit Progress Report – October 2025 (Appendix B) Exempt Item; and

3.    To approve the adjustments to the internal audit plan 2025-26.

Committee is asked to:

a.    Note progress with the development of a new Risk Management Framework and Policy based on a governance assurance approach to risk management.

b.    Review the worked examples shown in Appendix A, which outline how the Council’s key areas of governance will be addressed under these new arrangements within the revised approach, and

c.    Provide comments on any suggested improvements necessary to provide assurance that key governance areas of the Council are addressed effectively.

Committee is asked to acknowledge the report and the draft unaudited financial statements, which were published on the Council’s website on 16 September 2025, in accordance with the statutory deadline.

Committee is asked to review and approve the draft Annual Governance Statement.

Committee is asked to:

1.     Consider and endorse the findings of the assessment of effectiveness of Audit Committee (Appendix A);

2.     Develop a plan to identify opportunities to improve and strengthen the work of the Audit Committee (Appendix B); and

3.     Agree the revised Terms of Reference for Audit Committee (Appendix C) for consideration by the Committee System Working Group.

Committee is asked to:

1.     Note the updated Confidential Reporting Code; and

2.     Agree to retain the current Confidential Reporting Code as updated.

To receive an update on progress on the Improvement and Recovery Plan.

To consider and approve the work programme for the municipal year