Issue - meetings

To note and approve the self-assessments and identify any areas for focusing on further improvement.

The Committee received a report from Terry Collier, Deputy Chief Executive on the updated review of self-assessments against the CIPFA Financial Management Code and the final Best Value Indicators for Use of Resources. The Deputy Chief Executive informed the CIPFA Financial Management Code, effective from 2022-23, focused on various aspects such as value for money, governance, and financial sustainability.

The Committee had previously reviewed the self-assessments in March 2024 and had identified the need to expand the report and adopt a revised format. The updated self-assessments included revised formats for clarity and incorporated the final indicators issued in May 2024. The Deputy Chief Executive highlighted that the self-assessments may be subject to further change following the issuing of final guidance on value for money. It was also noted that an independent assessment by the Southern Internal Audit Partnership (SIAP) was scheduled for Quarter 2 of 2024-25 to further evaluate the assessments.

The Committee queried the ongoing digital transformation project which was referenced within the report and challenged why there was no further explanation to provide an understanding of this scheme. It was indicated that the digital transformation project was underway and was reflected in our Corporate Plan Action Plan, which was already evidenced by advancements in our Corporate Risk Register and online forms. There were a number of cashable savings related to digital transformation projects which will be reported back to Members in due course.

The Committee resolved to note and approve the self-assessments.