Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

An update on the governance of Risk Management at North Herts Council

DECISIONS:  That the Committee:

(1) Notes and provides recommendations to Cabinet on the Half Yearly Risk Management update;

(2) Notes and provides recommendations to Cabinet on the review of the Risk Management Framework;

(3) Comments on the type of Risk Management Training they would like to see going forward.

REASON FOR DECISIONS:

(1) The responsibility for ensuring the management of risks is that of Cabinet;

(2) This Committee has responsibility to monitor the effective development and operation of Risk Management.

Audio Recording: 1 hr 10 seconds

The Service Director – Resources presented the report entitled Half Yearly Update on Risk Management and highlighted the following points:

·       Previously the Committee received quarterly reports on risk, looking at detailed risk proposals. As that has been integrated in the Council Delivery Plan, which is being considered by Overview & Scrutiny, the Finance Audit and Risk Committee can stop looking at regular risk reviews;

·       8.2.2 highlights that all Councillors have access to Pentana, which is a Risk Management Software, giving full details of all the Council’s risks;

·       Table 1 shows how risks are moving; due to changing circumstances or actions to mitigate them. The table provides a summary of whether risks are moving or if they are not moving. Over time there should be change in risks;

·       8.2.3 notes that Risk Reviews are taking place.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Terry Tyler

·       Councillor George Davies

·       Councillor Chris Hinchliff

In response to questions the Service Director – Resources advised:

·       The Service Director – Resources will investigate why the Empty Homes Strategy Risk have a target to decrease its likelihood but increase its impact;

·       This is intended to be a regular report twice a year; there is a Quarterly Risk Management Group during the day where members of FAR and O&S are welcome;

·       Information on Pentana will be sent to Members of the committee;

·       The Local Plan is still in the challenge period, until that period has elapsed the risk will remain high. It will then be reviewed.

Councillor Terry Tyler proposed and Councillor Phil Weeder seconded and, following a vote it was:

RESOLVED:  That the Committee:

(1) Notes and provides recommendations to Cabinet on the Half Yearly Risk Management update;

(2) Notes and provides recommendations to Cabinet on the review of the Risk Management Framework;

(3) Comments on the type of Risk Management Training they would like to see going forward.

REASON FOR DECISIONS:

(1) The responsibility for ensuring the management of risks is that of Cabinet;

(2) This Committee has responsibility to monitor the effective development and operation of Risk Management.