Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on the 28 March 2018 (previously circulated), attached.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 2018 be signed as a correct record.

Items which in the opinion of the Chair should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There was no matter raised as a matter of urgency.

Report of the Leadership Group (CSO/18/17), attached.

The Committee considered the Report of the Leadership Group (CSO/18/17) on the Annual Governance Statement which the Council was required to publish in accordance with CIPFA/SOLACE guidance and to comply with Regulation 6 of the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2015.

The Statement confirmed that the governance arrangements provided a high level of assurance; that the arrangements continued to be fit for purpose and that the Council’s governance structures reflected the core and sub-principles of the Governance Statement.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hall, SECONDED by Councillor Saywell and

RESOLVED that the Annual Governance Statement for 2017/18 be approved and the Chair be authorised to sign the Statement.

Report of the County Treasurer (CT/18/44), attached.

The Committee received the Report of the County Treasurer (CT/18/44) on the performance of Devon Audit Partnership against the internal audit plans for 2017/18, concluding that internal audit was able to provide significant assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s internal control framework.

The Members of the Committee raised the issues of cyber-security and of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for Members.

It was MOVED by Councillor Saywell, SECONDED by Councillor Hall and

RESOLVED

(a)   that the internal audit opinion that the Council’s systems contain a satisfactory level of   internal control be noted;

(b)   that the satisfactory performance and achievements of Devon Audit Partnership during 2017/18 be noted;

(c)   that the Council’s continuing commitment to the maintenance and enhancement of antifraud culture be endorsed;

(d)   that the Council’s Monitoring Officer be liaised with to discuss a DBS check being introduced for Members;

(e)   that the issue of cyber-security be highlighted to the Cabinet Member for Organisational Development and Digital Transformation, Councillor Parsons;

(f)    that a follow up review be conducted in September 2018 on the progress of Audit against the identified risks.

Report of the County Treasurer (CT/18/45), attached.

The Committee considered the Report of the County Treasurer (CT/18/45) which sets out the Risk Management Policy and Strategy for 2017/18.

Members expressed concern that the data on the top 10 identified risks had not been systematically updated by management.

It was MOVED by Councillor Saywell, SECONDED by Councillor Peart and

RESOLVED

(a)   that the Committee notes the changes and updates to the risk management process as supported by Devon Audit Partnership;

(b)   that Members note the roles and responsibilities identified in the update report and the revised Risk Management Policy and Strategy;

(c)   that the Committee notes the current risk position for all risks;

(d)   that Members note the 10 risks currently ranked the highest;

(e)   that the relevant Scrutiny Committees be invited to review the latest position on the top 10 risks.

Report of Grant Thornton, attached.

The Committee received the Report of Grant Thornton outlining the progress made in delivering their responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors.

It was MOVED by Councillor Saywell, SECONDED by Councillor Peart and

RESOLVED that the report and findings be noted.