The Audit, Governance and Appointments Committee of Brentwood Council met on 26 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the appointment of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Chief Officers as part of the OneTeam initiative, the review of the council's audit governance framework, and updates on members' interests.

Appointment of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Chief Officers as part of OneTeam

The committee discussed the appointment of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Chief Officers as part of the OneTeam initiative. This initiative aims to streamline the council's management structure to improve efficiency and service delivery. The committee approved the appointments, citing the need for a more cohesive leadership team to drive forward the council's strategic objectives. Arguments in favour highlighted the potential for improved coordination and decision-making, while concerns were raised about the costs associated with restructuring.

Review of Audit Governance Framework

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the council's audit governance framework. The review aimed to ensure that the framework remains robust and fit for purpose in light of recent changes in legislation and best practices. The committee endorsed the proposed updates, which include enhanced oversight mechanisms and clearer delineation of responsibilities. One member noted, Ensuring our audit processes are transparent and accountable is crucial for maintaining public trust, highlighting the importance of these changes.

Updates on Members' Interests

The committee also reviewed updates on members' interests. This review is part of the council's ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability. The updated register includes new declarations and amendments to existing ones, ensuring that all potential conflicts of interest are adequately disclosed. The committee stressed the importance of regular updates to maintain the integrity of council operations.

Other Business

While the primary focus was on the aforementioned topics, the committee also briefly touched on other routine matters, including the confirmation of previous meeting minutes and procedural updates. These items were addressed without significant discussion.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the public reports pack and the agenda frontsheet for the meeting.