Decision details

6.1     The Committee considered a report by the Director of Finance, Performance and Procurement and the Director of Law and Assurance (copy appended to the signed minutes).

6.2     Mr Gauntlett (Senior Advisor) introduced the report and explained the draft Statement had been updated following comments received at the previous meeting.  Discussions had taken place with EY which had influenced the statement.

6.3     The Committee made comments including those that follow.

·         Queried the action for procurement.  – Ms Eberhart explained this reflected EY’s comments regarding value for money.  The action recognised the need for improvement for the approach to procurement.  The action would include the work on the TOM.

·         Commented that it would be good to monitor performance against previous action plans.

·         Sought clarity on how long records of decision and agendas are held.  – Mr Gauntlett explained that the website kept this information for six years and all hard copy records were kept in the Records Office.  Mr Gauntlett agreed to look into the requirements of long term website storage.

·         Queried the issue relating to skills shortage.  – Mr Gauntlett explained that was an issue for areas of the authority that relied on contract staff.  Mrs Daley, Director of Human Resources & Organisational Change, was looking into the workforce strategy to improve this.

6.4     Mr Gauntlett reported that the first action plan would come to the November meeting.

6.5     Resolved – That the Committee approves the draft Annual Governance Statement for signature by the Leader of the County Council and the Chief Executive; and also agrees the draft action plan arising from the 2017/18 Statement.