When carrying out Corporate Governance and Audit functions,
the purpose of the Committee is to provide independent assurance of the adequacy
of the risk management framework and the associated control environment,
independent scrutiny of the Council’s financial and non-financial performance
to the extent that it affects the Council’s exposure to risk and weakens the
control environment, and to oversee the financial reporting process.
Responsibilities
related to Governance Risk and Control:
·
To review and give approval to the Annual
Governance Statement and whether it properly reflects the risk environment and
supporting assurances
·
To approve the Council’s arrangements to secure
value for money and review assurances and assessments on the effectiveness of
these arrangements
·
To monitor risk management in the Council and
progress in addressing risk-related issues reported to the Committee
·
To review the assessment of fraud risks and
potential harm to the Council from fraud and corruption
·
To review the governance and assurance
arrangements for significant partnerships or collaborations
Responsibilities
related to Internal and External Audit:
·
To review, and approve significant changes to,
the internal Audit Plan including resource requirements
·
To consider internal audit update reports during
the year, and annual internal audit reports including the opinion on the
overall adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s framework of governance,
risk management and control
·
To consider the external auditor’s Annual Audit
Letter and other relevant reports
·
To ensure external audit work provides value for
money
Financial Reporting
Responsibilities:
To approve the annual
Statement of Accounts, following the provision of an Independent external Audit
Opinion.
Responsibilities for Licensing and General Powers:
·
Responsibility for the licensing functions of
the Council (most decisions are dealt with under delegation arrangements.
Licensing hearings are held as needed)
·
Appointments to Outside Bodies
·
Recommendations to the Council on changes to
Standing Orders, honorary titles, the community award and electoral matters
Responsibilities for Standards
and Members Conduct:
·
To monitor the operation of the Councillors Code
of Conduct
·
To advise the Council on the adoption or
revision of the Councillors Code of Conduct
·
Matters related to arrangements for dealing with
complaints about Members, and to recommend the appointment of an ‘Independent
Person’ to the Council
·
To grant dispensations to councillors from
requirements relating to interests as set out in the Code of Conduct.