Agenda item - Strategic Risk Register Review April 2016

Report of the Executive Director, Finance & Resources (copy attached).

1)           That the Audit & Standards Committee notes the Strategic Risk Register Report May 2016.

14.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Finance & Resources which informed Members that the Committee had a role to monitor the effectiveness of risk management and internal control. This included oversight of the Strategic Risk Register which was set by the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). The report included recent updates by ELT made on 20 April 2016.

14.2      Councillor Druitt noted that SR2: Financial Outlook for the Council currently had a risk rating of red but effectiveness of the controls were deemed adequate. Councillor Druitt asked for further information about the different categorisations.

14.3      The Executive Director, Finance & Resources explained that whilst he was confident of ensuring a balanced budget and controls were effective, a red rating was deemed necessary due to unknowns regarding government policy and wider uncertainties.

14.4      The Chair asked for further information as to why SR18: Sustainable ICT and Digital Modernisation had a red risk rating.

14.5      The Risk Management Lead explained that the issue was looked at specifically by ELT and following that discussion and directorate feedback, a red categorisation had been assigned.

14.6      Councillor Taylor asked that where risk actions were close to the deadline but progress was such that it was not expected to meet that deadline, if comments could be included from the relevant officers as to the reasons why that was the case.

14.7      Councillor Littman asked if any discussions were due or were planned with community organisations in relation to SR2: Financial Outlook of the Council and SR25: Organisational Capacity as a Result of Change as both discussed an increase in working with communities.

14.8      The Executive Director, Finance & Resources stated that discussion were taking place with communities in the relevant service areas. The Assistant Director, Finance added that there was extensive publicity and public input into the annual budget setting process. This was not specific engagement but it did raise awareness of the financial outlook of the council and levels of spending in service areas.

14.9      RESOLVED- That the Audit & Standards Committee notes the Strategic Risk Register Report May 2016.