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Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday, 24th April, 2024 6.00 pm

April 24, 2024 View on council website  Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)

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Summary

The council meeting focused on routine governance and oversight, including reviews of audit reports, accounting policies, and risk management. Discussions also covered updates to the constitution and code of conduct complaints procedure, with plans for future workshops to delve deeper into these topics.

  1. Audit Reports: The internal and external audit reports were noted without significant issues raised. The lack of new audit reports since the last meeting was highlighted, with a promise of future reports at the next meeting. This decision ensures ongoing transparency and accountability but delays addressing any potential issues until future audits are presented.

  2. Accounting Policies and Pension Assumptions: The council approved the accounting policies for the year and reviewed pension assumptions based on external advice. The decision impacts how financial statements are prepared and ensures compliance with national standards, contributing to the financial stability and accuracy of the council's reporting.

  3. Risk Management: Updates to the strategic risk register were accepted, including the removal of the cost of living as a strategic risk. This decision reflects an assessment of what constitutes a strategic threat to the council, focusing resources on risks deemed more controllable or significant.

  4. Constitution and Code of Conduct Reviews: Plans for workshops to review the constitution and the code of conduct complaints procedure were set. This decision opens the door for potentially significant changes in council governance and member conduct guidelines, aiming to enhance clarity and effectiveness.

  5. Cyber Security Report: The council decided to receive cyber security updates only when significant changes occur, rather than at every meeting. This decision could streamline meetings but might delay the council's response to minor yet relevant cyber security developments.

Surprisingly, the meeting included a detailed discussion on the need for better training and clarity around annual declarations of interest, highlighting a gap in current council member training that could affect compliance and transparency.

Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorPeter Harris
Councillor Peter Harris Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group • Liberal Democrat • Southwell
Profile image for CouncillorSimon Forde
Councillor Simon Forde Portfolio Holder for Climate and the Environment • Independents for Newark and District • Balderton South
Profile image for CouncillorRowan Cozens
Councillor Rowan Cozens Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder - Heritage, Culture & the Arts. Leader of Independents for Newark and District Group • Independents for Newark and District • Beacon
Profile image for CouncillorAndy Freeman
Councillor Andy Freeman Labour • Edwinstowe & Clipstone
Profile image for CouncillorJean Hall
Councillor Jean Hall Independents for Newark and District • Balderton South
Profile image for CouncillorSimon Haynes
Councillor Simon Haynes Conservative • Farndon & Fernwood
Profile image for CouncillorJack Kellas
Councillor Jack Kellas Leader of the Conservative Group • Conservative • Farndon & Fernwood
Profile image for CouncillorJohno Lee
Councillor Johno Lee Independent • Balderton North & Coddington
Profile image for CouncillorSylvia Michael
Councillor Sylvia Michael Conservative • Sutton-on-Trent
Profile image for CouncillorClaire Penny
Councillor Claire Penny Portfolio Holder - Sustainable Economic Development • Labour • Rainworth North & Rufford
Profile image for CouncillorTina Thompson
Councillor Tina Thompson Leader of the Newark and Sherwood Independents Group • Newark and Sherwood District Independents • Rainworth South & Blidworth

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

Meeting Documents

Agenda

Agenda frontsheet 24th-Apr-2024 18.00 Audit and Governance Committee
Agenda Item 11 Appendices 24th-Apr-2024 18.00 Audit and Governance Committee

Additional Documents

Item 11a Underlying Valuation Assumptions - Appendix A1
Item 15a 24.04.24 - Work Plan
Item 5a Internal Audit Progress appendix A
Item 6 External Auditors Audit Completion Report 24.04.24
Item 6a External Audit Report
Item 7 Ethical Investments report
Item 8 00 - AG REPORT Strategic RISK - APRIL 24
Item 9 Statement of Accounting Policies
Item 10 Underlying Pension Assumptions
Item 9a Statement of Accounting Policies Appendix A
Item 10a Underlying Pension Assumptions - Appendix A
Item 10b Underlying Pension Assumptions - Appendix B
Item 4 21.02.24 - AuditGovernance Minutes
Item 5 Internal Audit Progress cover Report
Item 11 Underlying Valuation Assumptions
Item 11b Underlying Valuation Assumptions - Appendix B
Item 11c Underlying Valuation Assumptions - Appendix C1
Item 12 24.04.24 - Annual Review of the Constitution
Item 13 24.04.24 - Review of the Procedure for handling Code of Conduct Complaints
Item 14 24.04.24 - Update Report Cyber360
Item 15 24.04.24 - Work Plan Cover Report