The Overview and Audit Committee of the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority was scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The meeting's agenda included a comprehensive review of internal audit reports, an update on corporate risk management, and a discussion on treasury management performance. Additionally, the committee was set to consider the 2024/25 Statement of Assurance and receive an update on His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) findings.

Internal Audit Reports

The committee was scheduled to receive several internal audit reports. These included an update on the 2025/26 Internal Audit Plan, detailing the progress made in completing various audit engagements. Furthermore, the final internal audit reports for the financial year 2025/26 were to be presented, covering areas such as Core Financial Controls, Payroll, and Energy Management. A progress update on the implementation of audit management actions was also on the agenda, indicating the status of previously identified areas for improvement. Finally, the draft Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27 was presented for approval, outlining the proposed audit activities for the upcoming year, with a focus on areas such as Capital Programme Assurance, Stores, ICT Framework, Estates and Property Maintenance, and Core Financial Controls.

Corporate Risk Management

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to corporate risk management. The committee was to review the status and any changes to the identified corporate risks, with a particular focus on updates to the risk scores for Industrial Action, Financial Stability, and Devolution. The report indicated that the risk associated with Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation was recommended to be split into two separate risks. The committee was also to consider the Corporate Risk Map, which illustrates the distribution of corporate risks relative to their probability and impact.

Treasury Management Performance

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Treasury Management Performance for the period of April to December 2025/26. This report detailed the accrued interest earned, which significantly exceeded the budgeted amount due to the strategic investment of available funds. The report also provided an overview of the security and liquidity of the Authority's investments, detailing the counterparties and amounts invested as at 31 December 2025. Information on borrowing, investment yield, and benchmarking against relevant indices was also to be presented.

Statement of Assurance and HMICFRS Update

The committee was to consider the 2024/25 Statement of Assurance, a document intended to provide the public and government with assurance on the Authority's financial, governance, and operational matters. This statement draws upon existing assurance processes and highlights significant changes from the previous year. Additionally, an update on the findings from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspections was to be provided. This update would cover the progress made in addressing previous causes of concern and recommendations, noting the Service's removal from enhanced monitoring following successful completion of recommendations. The committee would also be informed about the ongoing HMICFRS inspection for the 2025-27 period.

Environment and Climate Action Plan Update and Sustainability Framework

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on the Environment and Climate Action Plan, which has been superseded by a new Sustainability Framework. The update would summarise progress against the previous plan's aims, including actions related to preventing, protecting, and responding to climate change impacts, improving building energy efficiency, transitioning to electric vehicles, and reducing waste. The new Sustainability Framework, outlining the Authority's high-level approach to sustainability and climate change, was presented for approval.

Other Business

The agenda also included standard items such as apologies, minutes of previous meetings, matters arising, disclosure of interests, and questions. A Forward Plan for the committee's future business was also to be noted.