Issue - meetings

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor A Yates)

Councillor Adam Yates introduced the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, which detailed the operation of the Risk Management Framework over the last twelve months and the key risks facing the Council and how they are being managed and sought approval of recommended changes to the current Risk Management Policy & Toolkit.

A copy of the minute of Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

A Motion circulated prior to the meeting was moved and seconded.

A vote was taken the Motion was CARRIED.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the details set out in the report before it, the reasons contained therein and the agreed comments of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED:   A.   That the continuing effective operation of the Risk Management Framework as detailed in the Annual Report 2021 (Appendix A) be noted.

B.   That the proposed amendments to the Risk Management Policy & Strategy (Appendix B) and Toolkit (Appendix C) be approved.

C.   That in respect of the agreed comments of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee held on 24 February 2022, as detailed in the minute circulated, it be noted that risk ratings are constantly reviewed and are looked at as a minimum on a quarterly basis by the risk owner and are measured against the risk impact descriptor tables. 

D.   That the progress made in relation to the management of the risks shown in the Key Risk Register (Appendix D) be endorsed.

To consider the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Services as contained on pages 1539 to 1606 of the Book of Reports, which set out details of the operation of the Risk Management Framework over the last twelve months; recommended changes to the current Risk Management Policy & Toolkit and sets out details on the key risks facing the Council and how they are being managed.

The Risk and Insurance Officer outlined the annual report which highlights the positive improvements to risk management that have been made over the last 12 months and further areas for development over the next 12 months.  She explained that the new policy has been renamed 'policy and strategy' as it now included a detailed strategy of how risk management can be further embedded. 

She also explained that there were two new risks added to the key risk report: External Funding Uncertainty and, Recruitment and Retention of Key Staff.

Comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:

·         It would be beneficial to receive a 'tracked change' version of document for future

·         Typographical / contact amendments to be updated

·         Growth and Development Services – delays in preparation of new Local Plan

·         Tawd Valley Developments – revision of risk score

·         Concern in respect of the retention and loss of staff / senior staff

·         Political balance / delivery challenges

·         The Committee are pleased with progress of risk management in the Council

RESOLVED:

A.   That the continuing effective operation of the Risk Management Framework as detailed in the Annual Report 2021 (Appendix A) be noted.

B.   That the proposed amendments to the Risk Management Policy & Strategy (Appendix B) and Toolkit (Appendix C) be considered and noted.

C.   That the progress made in relation to the management of the risks shown in the Key Risk Register (Appendix D) be considered and noted.

D.   That the following agreed comments of Executive Overview and Scrutiny Committee be considered by Cabinet on 8 March 2022:

1.    That the risk owner look again at the ratings of the following key risk areas as contained in the Key Risk Report at Appendix D:

a)    Growth and Development Services – delays in preparation of new Local Plan.

b)    Failure for Tawd Valley Developments to deliver the Business Plan agreed by Council.

c)    Corporate and Customer Services– Recruitment and retention of key staff