Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2025):
165
Meetings (2024):
156
Meeting
Audit Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Friday, 24th January 2025
10:00 AM
Friday, 24th January 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Friday, 24th January 2025
2:00 PM
Friday, 24th January 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
24 Jan 2025
24 Jan 2025
Location:
Mitchell Room - HCC
Mitchell Room - HCC
Meeting Attendees
Independent Group Deputy
Committee Member
Councillor Dominic Hiscock
Present, as expected
Liberal Democrats Deputy
Councillor Adrian Collett
Not required
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor Keith House. No Liberal Democrat deputy was available to attend this meeting.
2
Declarations of Interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
No declarations were made.
No declarations were made.
3
Minutes of previous meeting held on 26 September 2024
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.
Attachments:
- Document Audit Minutes - Sept 24 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2024 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations on this occasion.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman spoke about a proposal to select and appoint two Independent co-opted members to this Committee which was being considered by Cabinet next month.
6
Information Compliance - Use of Regulated Investigatory Powers
To receive the quarterly update on the County Council’s use of regulated investigatory powers.
Attachments:
- Document 6 2025-01-24 - Audit Committee - Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) report Q3 16 Jan 2025
- Document 6i RIPA figures - Audit Committee - Q3 - 2024-2025 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee received a quarterly update on the County Council’s use of regulated investigatory powers.
In presenting the report, Members were advised that this Policy was being reviewed at the Universal Services Decision Day next week to make sure it remained compliant.
Members noted that there had been no use of powers during this quarter. There had been two successful prosecutions regarding under age sales of vapes.
RESOLVED:
That the Audit Committee receives and notes the data/narrative regarding the
County Council’s use of surveillance powers.
In presenting the report, Members were advised that this Policy was being reviewed at the Universal Services Decision Day next week to make sure it remained compliant.
Members noted that there had been no use of powers during this quarter. There had been two successful prosecutions regarding under age sales of vapes.
RESOLVED:
That the Audit Committee receives and notes the data/narrative regarding the
County Council’s use of surveillance powers.
7
EXTERNAL AUDIT: HCC Audit Results Report – 2023/24
To receive the external auditors report for Hampshire County Council for the year ending 31 March 2024.
Attachments:
- Document 7 ExternalAuditReportHCC Cover Rpt 16 Jan 2025
- Document 7i Audit Cttee 24 HCC - Audit Results Report 2023-24 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report from Ernst and Young (EY) detailing Hampshire County Council’s Audit results for 2023/24 (Item 7 in the Minute Book).
It was reported that although limited work to rebuild assurance ahead of the 2023/24 backstop date had commenced, sufficient evidence had not been obtained to have reasonable assurance over all closing balances. As a result of the 2022/23 disclaimed audit report, there was not enough assurance over the brought forward balances from 2022/23. This meant it did not have assurance over 2023/24 in-year movements and some closing balances, nor assurance over the 2022/23 comparative amounts disclosed in the 2023/24 financial statements. Taken together with the requirement to conclude their work by the 2023/24 back stop date, the lack of evidence over these movements and balances meant it was anticipated EY would issue a disclaimed 2023/24 audit opinion.
The Committee expressed its concern about the three to four-year timeline to resolve the disclaimer position. In response, Members heard that without a completed audit, there were no assurances to base the following year's audit on, which explained the time required to rebuild the position. The Auditors reported that the County Council’s situation was not unique as this was a national issue and that many other organisations were facing similar situations.
Members heard that there should be no impact between Local Government Re-organisation and local authorities’ audits for 2026/27. Accounts would continue to be produced annually and the supporting financial records would be in place even after any reorganisation.
RESOLVED:
That the Audit Committee received and noted the audit results for Hampshire
County Council for the year ending 31 March 2024.
It was reported that although limited work to rebuild assurance ahead of the 2023/24 backstop date had commenced, sufficient evidence had not been obtained to have reasonable assurance over all closing balances. As a result of the 2022/23 disclaimed audit report, there was not enough assurance over the brought forward balances from 2022/23. This meant it did not have assurance over 2023/24 in-year movements and some closing balances, nor assurance over the 2022/23 comparative amounts disclosed in the 2023/24 financial statements. Taken together with the requirement to conclude their work by the 2023/24 back stop date, the lack of evidence over these movements and balances meant it was anticipated EY would issue a disclaimed 2023/24 audit opinion.
The Committee expressed its concern about the three to four-year timeline to resolve the disclaimer position. In response, Members heard that without a completed audit, there were no assurances to base the following year's audit on, which explained the time required to rebuild the position. The Auditors reported that the County Council’s situation was not unique as this was a national issue and that many other organisations were facing similar situations.
Members heard that there should be no impact between Local Government Re-organisation and local authorities’ audits for 2026/27. Accounts would continue to be produced annually and the supporting financial records would be in place even after any reorganisation.
RESOLVED:
That the Audit Committee received and noted the audit results for Hampshire
County Council for the year ending 31 March 2024.
8
EXTERNAL AUDIT - HAMPSHIRE PENSION FUND AUDIT RESULTS REPORT 2023/24
To receive the external auditors report for Hampshire County Council for the year ending 31 March 2024.
Attachments:
- Document 8 ExternalAuditReport HPF Cover Rpt - Copy 16 Jan 2025
- Document 8i Audit Cttee 24 HPF - Provisional Audit Results Report 2023-24 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report from Ernst and Young detailing the Hampshire Pension Fund’s Audit results for 2023/24 (Item 8 in the Minute Book).
In presenting the report the Auditor advised that there was nothing significant to report with this audit other than there being a judgemental difference on the valuation of a sample of level 3 private equity investments of £9m.
RESOLVED:
That the Audit Committee received and noted the audit results for Hampshire Pension Fund for the year ending 31 March 2024.
In presenting the report the Auditor advised that there was nothing significant to report with this audit other than there being a judgemental difference on the valuation of a sample of level 3 private equity investments of £9m.
RESOLVED:
That the Audit Committee received and noted the audit results for Hampshire Pension Fund for the year ending 31 March 2024.
9
Statement of Accounts 2023/2024
To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Operations giving an update on the 2023/24 Statement of Accounts for Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire Pension Fund.
Attachments:
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Director of Corporate Operations providing an update on the 2023/24 Statement of Accounts for Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire Pension Fund (Item 9 in the Minute Book).
The Director reported that the audit of the County Council’s accounts had been impacted in 2022/23 and 2023/24 by the national backlog in local authority audits. Central government had worked with key stakeholders on a number of measures to address this, one of which was the introduction through the Accounts and Audit (Amendment) Regulations 2024 of statutory backstop dates. The dates by which auditors were required to provide their audit opinions for accounts were: covering 2022/23 (13 December 2024) and 2023/24 (28 February 2025) as well as subsequent years.
During the discussion, Members agreed to delegate changes required to both statement of accounts (set out in paragraphs 15-22 to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Operations, in consultation with the Chairman.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Audit Committee noted the update provided on progress with the 2023/24 Statement of Accounts for Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire Pension Fund.
2. That the Audit Committee delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Operations, in consultation with the Chairman of the Audit Committee, to make the changes to the approved 2023/24 Statement of Accounts for Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire Pension Fund set out in paragraphs 15 – 22 and any non-material changes agreed between the County Council and Ernst and Young (EY) prior to the issue of the final audit opinion and publication of the audited Statement of Accounts.
3. Should any other material change be required then an additional Audit Committee meeting will be arranged before the statutory backstop date of 28 February 2025.
4. If the changes to the accounts don’t necessitate a further meeting of the Audit Committee, then once EY have issued their final audit opinion, the final audited accounts will be circulated to the committee, with a schedule setting out the final set of adjustments which were made through the delegation.
5. That it is noted that the Letters of Representations will be signed by the Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chief Financial Officer (the Deputy, Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Operations) as required by the external auditor at the conclusion of the audit.
The Director reported that the audit of the County Council’s accounts had been impacted in 2022/23 and 2023/24 by the national backlog in local authority audits. Central government had worked with key stakeholders on a number of measures to address this, one of which was the introduction through the Accounts and Audit (Amendment) Regulations 2024 of statutory backstop dates. The dates by which auditors were required to provide their audit opinions for accounts were: covering 2022/23 (13 December 2024) and 2023/24 (28 February 2025) as well as subsequent years.
During the discussion, Members agreed to delegate changes required to both statement of accounts (set out in paragraphs 15-22 to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Operations, in consultation with the Chairman.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Audit Committee noted the update provided on progress with the 2023/24 Statement of Accounts for Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire Pension Fund.
2. That the Audit Committee delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Operations, in consultation with the Chairman of the Audit Committee, to make the changes to the approved 2023/24 Statement of Accounts for Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire Pension Fund set out in paragraphs 15 – 22 and any non-material changes agreed between the County Council and Ernst and Young (EY) prior to the issue of the final audit opinion and publication of the audited Statement of Accounts.
3. Should any other material change be required then an additional Audit Committee meeting will be arranged before the statutory backstop date of 28 February 2025.
4. If the changes to the accounts don’t necessitate a further meeting of the Audit Committee, then once EY have issued their final audit opinion, the final audited accounts will be circulated to the committee, with a schedule setting out the final set of adjustments which were made through the delegation.
5. That it is noted that the Letters of Representations will be signed by the Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chief Financial Officer (the Deputy, Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Operations) as required by the external auditor at the conclusion of the audit.
10
Internal Audit Progress Report 2024-25
To consider a report of the Chief Internal Auditor on Internal Audit progress during 2024/25.
Attachments:
- Document 10 HCC Internal Audit Progress Report - January 2025 - Cover Report 16 Jan 2025
- Document 10i HCC Internal Audit Progress Report December 2024 - Audit Committee January 2025 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Chief Internal Auditor providing an overview of internal audit activity against the assurance work completed in accordance with the approved audit plan (2024-25) and to provide an overview of the outstanding management actions (Item 10 in the Minute Book).
During discussion of this item, it was noted that the Education Catering (HC3S) had been removed from the plan due to significant changes in progress which were being managed by the Children’s Services Directorate. The Chief Internal Auditor explained that Risk Registers were reviewed to inform the risk-based internal audit planning process..
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted the Internal Audit Progress Report.
During discussion of this item, it was noted that the Education Catering (HC3S) had been removed from the plan due to significant changes in progress which were being managed by the Children’s Services Directorate. The Chief Internal Auditor explained that Risk Registers were reviewed to inform the risk-based internal audit planning process..
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted the Internal Audit Progress Report.
11
Implementation of the Global Internal Audit Standards
To consider a report of the Chief Internal Auditor giving an overview of the new Global Internal Audit Standards, to which public sector internal audit functions will have to comply from 1 April 2025.
Attachments:
Minutes
To consider a report of the Chief Internal Auditor providing an overview of the new Global Internal Audit Standards, to which public sector internal audit functions will have to comply from 1 April 2025 (Item 11 in the Minute Book).
Members heard that the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) are a replacement to the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and provide a single source to guide the worldwide professional practice of internal auditing and serve as a basis for evaluating and elevating the quality of the internal audit function.
The authority for determining standards applicable to internal audit in the UK public sector rests with the Relevant Internal Audit Standard Setters (RIASS) (the organisations with authority for setting standards for internal audit in the UK public sector), supported by the UK public sector Internal Audit Standards Advisory Board (IASAB) and they have determined that the GIAS is applicable to the internal audit of UK public sector bodies, subject to a small number of additional requirements and interpretations. These additional requirements are set out in the Application Note – GIAS in the UK Public Sector and the Code of Practice for the Governance of Internal Audit in the UK Local Government.
It was reported that:
· The Southern Internal Audit Partnership (SIAP) had completed an initial self-assessment/gap analysis against the GIAS and developed an action plan to ensure the Partnership was in the strongest possible position for when the Standards take effect in April 2025.
· As part of that action plan, SIAP would be engaging with Senior Management and members of the Audit Committee during January/February 2025 to contribute to the development of key requirements of the GIAS including the Internal Audit Strategy and key performance measures.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted the pending implementation of the Global Internal Audit Standards.
Members heard that the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) are a replacement to the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and provide a single source to guide the worldwide professional practice of internal auditing and serve as a basis for evaluating and elevating the quality of the internal audit function.
The authority for determining standards applicable to internal audit in the UK public sector rests with the Relevant Internal Audit Standard Setters (RIASS) (the organisations with authority for setting standards for internal audit in the UK public sector), supported by the UK public sector Internal Audit Standards Advisory Board (IASAB) and they have determined that the GIAS is applicable to the internal audit of UK public sector bodies, subject to a small number of additional requirements and interpretations. These additional requirements are set out in the Application Note – GIAS in the UK Public Sector and the Code of Practice for the Governance of Internal Audit in the UK Local Government.
It was reported that:
· The Southern Internal Audit Partnership (SIAP) had completed an initial self-assessment/gap analysis against the GIAS and developed an action plan to ensure the Partnership was in the strongest possible position for when the Standards take effect in April 2025.
· As part of that action plan, SIAP would be engaging with Senior Management and members of the Audit Committee during January/February 2025 to contribute to the development of key requirements of the GIAS including the Internal Audit Strategy and key performance measures.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted the pending implementation of the Global Internal Audit Standards.
12
2024/25 Q2 Treasury Management Report
To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Operations providing an update on treasury management activity including the requirement in the 2021 Code of quarterly reporting of the treasury management prudential indicators.
Attachments:
- Document 12 HCC Q2 TM Report 202425 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Corporate Operations providing an update on Treasury Management activity for the Q2 period (Item 12 in the Minute Book).
Members heard that all treasury activity had complied with the County Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Investment Strategy for 2024/25 and all relevant statute, guidance and accounting standards.
It was reported that the second quarter of the financial year showed a £51m reduction in net investments in comparison to the end of the first quarter. This reflected a reduction of £2m in the borrowing position in combination with a reduction in the investments position of £53m.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted the review of treasury management activities in Quarter 2 2024/25.
Members heard that all treasury activity had complied with the County Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Investment Strategy for 2024/25 and all relevant statute, guidance and accounting standards.
It was reported that the second quarter of the financial year showed a £51m reduction in net investments in comparison to the end of the first quarter. This reflected a reduction of £2m in the borrowing position in combination with a reduction in the investments position of £53m.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted the review of treasury management activities in Quarter 2 2024/25.
13
Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 to 2027/28
To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Operations on the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26 to 2027/28. This includes the Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/26.
Attachments:
- Document 13 202526 HCC TMSS Audit Committee 2025-01-24 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Operations presenting the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26 to 2027/28 which included the Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/26 (Item 13 in the Minute Book).
The Director highlighted the salient points in the report. Members noted that the strategy had been drafted with advice from Arlingclose which was comparable with other local authorities. An update was also given on the County Council’s pooled fund investments.
In response to Members questions it was heard that:
· The £9m unrealised loss in pooled funds resulting from the fall in property values was turning a corner. When the statutory override expired, from 2025/26, any unrealised loss would be reflected in the income and expenditure account.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted the following recommendations that have been made to Cabinet:
1. That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26 (and the remainder of 2024/25) be approved.
2. That authority is delegated to the Director of Corporate Operations to manage the County Council’s investments and borrowing according to the Treasury Management Strategy Statement as appropriate.
The Director highlighted the salient points in the report. Members noted that the strategy had been drafted with advice from Arlingclose which was comparable with other local authorities. An update was also given on the County Council’s pooled fund investments.
In response to Members questions it was heard that:
· The £9m unrealised loss in pooled funds resulting from the fall in property values was turning a corner. When the statutory override expired, from 2025/26, any unrealised loss would be reflected in the income and expenditure account.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted the following recommendations that have been made to Cabinet:
1. That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26 (and the remainder of 2024/25) be approved.
2. That authority is delegated to the Director of Corporate Operations to manage the County Council’s investments and borrowing according to the Treasury Management Strategy Statement as appropriate.
14
2024-2025 Audit Committee - Annual Report
To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Operations outlining the Committee’s work over the last year to be presented to Full Council.
Attachments:
- Document 14 2024-25 Audit Committee Annual Report to County Council January 2025 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Director of Corporate Operations regarding the annual report of the Audit Committee which will be presented to Full Council (Item 14 in the Minute Book).
The Director highlighted the salient points in the report and during discussion Members heard that an annual report was recommended by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) as a key output of this Committee in providing assurance that it fulfils its purpose and can demonstrate its impact. This report covered the period to 30 September 2024 and would be reported to Full Council at its meeting on 13 February 2024.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee approved the Annual Report contained in Appendix
1 of the report for presentation to the County Council.
The Director highlighted the salient points in the report and during discussion Members heard that an annual report was recommended by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) as a key output of this Committee in providing assurance that it fulfils its purpose and can demonstrate its impact. This report covered the period to 30 September 2024 and would be reported to Full Council at its meeting on 13 February 2024.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee approved the Annual Report contained in Appendix
1 of the report for presentation to the County Council.
15
Review of Contract Standing Orders
To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Operations and Monitoring Officer proposing changes to the County Council’s Contract Standing Orders largely to comply with the new Procurement Act 2023.
Attachments:
- Document 15 - Audit Cttee Amendment to CSO (final) 30 Dec 24 for publication 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Operations and Monitoring Officer proposing changes to the County Council’s Contract Standing Orders largely to comply with the new Procurement Act 2023 (Item 15 in the Minute Book).
Members heard that following the Procurement Act 2023 (PA 2023) receiving Royal Assent, a review of the County Council’s Contract Standing Orders had been undertaken in order to identify any changes required as a consequence of the new legislation. The review also identified a small number of additional desirable changes to the Contract Standing Orders including to delete provision relating to procedures that were no longer relevant, to reflect current governance arrangements and to delete provision for discretionary additional publication as, in practice, this had been considered not to be value for money. It was noted that these proposed changes would provide more flexibility and transparency.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee approved the revised Contract Standing Orders set out in Annex 2 of the report for recommendation to Cabinet for consideration and recommendation to the County Council for approval.
Members heard that following the Procurement Act 2023 (PA 2023) receiving Royal Assent, a review of the County Council’s Contract Standing Orders had been undertaken in order to identify any changes required as a consequence of the new legislation. The review also identified a small number of additional desirable changes to the Contract Standing Orders including to delete provision relating to procedures that were no longer relevant, to reflect current governance arrangements and to delete provision for discretionary additional publication as, in practice, this had been considered not to be value for money. It was noted that these proposed changes would provide more flexibility and transparency.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee approved the revised Contract Standing Orders set out in Annex 2 of the report for recommendation to Cabinet for consideration and recommendation to the County Council for approval.
16
Update on Limited Assurance Internal Audit Reviews 2023/2024
To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Operations providing an update on progress with completing the agreed management actions.
Attachments:
- Document 16 Audit Cttee Update on Limited Assurance Audit reviews 2023_24 16 Jan 2025
- Document 16i Audit Cttee Appendix A - Adults Health Care Audit Committee Limited Assurance update 16 Jan 2025
- Document 16ii Audit Cttee Appendix B - Children's Services Audit Committee Limited Assurance update 16 Jan 2025
- Document 16iii Audit Cttee Appendix C - Universal Services Audit Committee Limited Assurance 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Director of Corporate Operations providing an update on progress with completing the agreed management actions for the 8 ‘Limited Assurance’ internal audit reviews which were reported to the Audit Committee in July 2024 and for the 2 ‘Limited Assurance Reviews’ which have been issued post the July meeting (Item 16 in the Minute Book).
During the discussion, Members noted the report and agreed that this item would not be brought back to this Committee in the future. If any items from the Internal Audit progress report need to be highlighted to the Committee, they would be presented as individual reports by the relevant Director.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
i. note the progress with completing the management actions for the 8 ‘Limited Assurance’ internal audit reviews reported to Audit Committee as part of the ‘Internal Audit Annual report and Opinion 2023/24.
ii. note the progress with completing the management actions for the 2 Limited Assurance’ internal audit reviews which have been issued post the July Audit Committee.
iii. sought clarification on any issues arising from the progress updates and highlighted any concerns.
During the discussion, Members noted the report and agreed that this item would not be brought back to this Committee in the future. If any items from the Internal Audit progress report need to be highlighted to the Committee, they would be presented as individual reports by the relevant Director.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
i. note the progress with completing the management actions for the 8 ‘Limited Assurance’ internal audit reviews reported to Audit Committee as part of the ‘Internal Audit Annual report and Opinion 2023/24.
ii. note the progress with completing the management actions for the 2 Limited Assurance’ internal audit reviews which have been issued post the July Audit Committee.
iii. sought clarification on any issues arising from the progress updates and highlighted any concerns.
17
Corporate Risk Management - Annual Report
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation summarising the updates made to the Corporate Risk Management Strategy 2022-25 since the last annual report in December 2023.
Attachments:
- Document 16 Audit Committee - Corporate Risk Management - Annual Report 24.01.25 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding updates made to the Corporate Risk Management Strategy 2022-25 since the last annual report in December 2023 (Item 17 in the Minute Book).
During discussion/questions of this item, it was noted that:
· Significant advancements in Hampshire County Council’s risk management framework had been made. Key updates included the introduction of 15 risk appetite statements, developed in collaboration with the Chief Officers Group and the Corporate Management Team and agreed by Cabinet, to guide future recommendations and decision-making.
· Organisational changes had been made that brought all risk and resilience focused functions together under a single leadership role, enhancing the Council’s ability to manage risks effectively.
· The Risk Management Steering Group ensured that risk management activities were well-coordinated and aligned with the County Council’s strategic objectives. This Group is chaired by the Deputy Director of People and Organisation and reports to the Corporate Management Team on a 6 monthly basis.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
1. Notes the final 15 risk appetite statements (see Appendix A), developed with the Chief Officers Group and the Corporate Management Team (CMT), which were approved by Cabinet in November 2023 to be adopted as a framework to inform and contribute to recommendations and decision-making.
2. Notes the updated Corporate Risk Management Strategy 2022-25 (Appendix B), that now includes reference to the newly developed risk appetite statements.
3. Notes the governance changes completed in People and Organisation, which integrate all risk and resilience focused enabling functions (health and safety, resilience management, information governance, corporate risk management) under the establishment of a new Organisational Resilience service.
4. Notes the risk profile of the organisation, the arrangements in place and future workstreams planned to provide effective risk management across the County Council.
During discussion/questions of this item, it was noted that:
· Significant advancements in Hampshire County Council’s risk management framework had been made. Key updates included the introduction of 15 risk appetite statements, developed in collaboration with the Chief Officers Group and the Corporate Management Team and agreed by Cabinet, to guide future recommendations and decision-making.
· Organisational changes had been made that brought all risk and resilience focused functions together under a single leadership role, enhancing the Council’s ability to manage risks effectively.
· The Risk Management Steering Group ensured that risk management activities were well-coordinated and aligned with the County Council’s strategic objectives. This Group is chaired by the Deputy Director of People and Organisation and reports to the Corporate Management Team on a 6 monthly basis.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
1. Notes the final 15 risk appetite statements (see Appendix A), developed with the Chief Officers Group and the Corporate Management Team (CMT), which were approved by Cabinet in November 2023 to be adopted as a framework to inform and contribute to recommendations and decision-making.
2. Notes the updated Corporate Risk Management Strategy 2022-25 (Appendix B), that now includes reference to the newly developed risk appetite statements.
3. Notes the governance changes completed in People and Organisation, which integrate all risk and resilience focused enabling functions (health and safety, resilience management, information governance, corporate risk management) under the establishment of a new Organisational Resilience service.
4. Notes the risk profile of the organisation, the arrangements in place and future workstreams planned to provide effective risk management across the County Council.
18
Minutes of the Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board Meeting - 27 September 2024 (Less Exempt)
To receive the non-exempt minutes of the Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board meeting held on 27 September 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Pension Fund Panel - PUBLIC minutes - cover sheet 16 Jan 2025
- Document Minutes , 27/09/2024 Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board 16 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee received and noted the non-exempt minutes of the Hampshire Pension Fund and Board meeting held on 27 September 2024 (Item 9 in the Minute Book).
19
Exclusion of the Press and Public
To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items of business, as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during this item there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all the circumstances of the cases, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the exempt minutes.
Minutes
The press and public were excluded from the meeting during the following items of business, as it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during these items there would have been disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 3 and 5 of Part I Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the minutes.
20
Minutes of the Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board Meeting - 27 September 2024 (Exempt)
To receive the exempt minutes of the Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board meeting held on 27 September 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Pension Fund Panel - EXEMPT minutes - cover sheet 16 Jan 2025
- Document 2024.09.27 PFPB - Minutes - Exempt 233, 27/09/2024 Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board 16 Jan 2025
21
Corporate Strategic Risk Register
To consider an exempt report of the Director of People and Organisation on key strategic corporate risks to the County Council.
Attachments:
Minutes
The Committee considered an exempt report of the Director of People and Organisation giving an update on the key strategic corporate risks to the
County Council that are held and monitored through the central Corporate
Risk Register system (Item 21 in the Minute Book).
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed.
County Council that are held and monitored through the central Corporate
Risk Register system (Item 21 in the Minute Book).
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed.
Previous Meetings
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