Issue - meetings

Report by Corporate Director Alistair Cunningham 

Cllr Philip Whitehead presented a report which introduced the new corporate Performance and Risk Management Policy that sets out an assurance framework including business planning, performance management and risk management.

Cllr Whitehead explained that the proposed new policy is a response to the findings and recommendations of a recent internal audit of performance and risk.  It also formalised much of the current practice which has been developed since previous separate strategies were approved. The new policy sets out an assurance framework; including risk and linking to financial management, which through business planning, monitoring and management links all activity back to Wiltshire Council’s strategic priorities as set out in the Business Plan.

The Cabinet heard from Cllr Thorn, Chairman of the Financial Planning Task Group. Cllr Thorn explained that the Task Group welcomed the new Policy, the closer connection between the Policy objectives and the Business Plan and were very encouraged about the new process.

In response to a question from Cllr Grant about the calculations used for the risk appetite element and whether it was an adequate level of scaling, Cllr Whitehead confirmed that he was willing to work with the Task Group in monitoring the risk appetite scores and would consider making amendments if they were necessary.

Cllr Britton, Chairman of the Audit Committee, referred to the Roles and Responsibilities detailed in the new Policy, in particular, he commented on the role of the Audit Committee in monitoring and reviewing the effective development and operation of performance and risk management, and receiving progress reports as required.  Cllr Britton asked why, on this occasion the Audit Committee had not had an opportunity to consider the new Policy prior to it being considered by Cabinet. Cllr Whitehead apologised for this oversight and confirmed that he was willing to attend a future Audit Committee to discuss the new Policy and consider any comments arising from the discussions.

In response to a question from Cllr Clewer about the risk appetite scoring of calculations and in particular the risk of Pandemic Flu, which was a national issue, Cllr Whitehead explained that there were a number of risks outside of the Council’s control, Pandemic Flu being one.  He confirmed that the scoring calculation could be reviewed as the process develops.

Resolved:

1.    To approve and adopt the new Performance and Risk Management Policy.

2.    To authorise the Director of Corporate Functions and Digital, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Finance, Procurement, ICT and Operational Assets the authority to approve amendments that do not make a material change to the policy.

3.    To authorise the Director of Corporate Functions and Digital and the Director of Finance the responsibility for the policy’s implementation.

Reason for Decision:

Current strategies do not reflect practice which has been developed and improved in recent years. The new policy clarifies and codifies a corporate approach to performance and risk management that also meets the recommendations of the Corporate Peer Challenge and Internal Audit.