The Audit Committee of Lincolnshire County Council is scheduled to convene on Monday, 22 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the council's overall risk profile, an assessment of the internal audit service's performance, and discussions on the upcoming external audit plans for both the council and the Lincolnshire Pension Fund.

Combined Risk Report

A key item for discussion is the Combined Risk Report 2026, presented by Kevin Lane, Team Leader - Insurance and Risk. This report aims to provide an overview of Lincolnshire County Council's (LCC) risk profile and offer assurance from the Corporate Leadership Team regarding the organisation's ability to identify and manage key risks. The Chief Executive, Executive Directors, and Chief Fire Officer are expected to be present to address any questions concerning these risks. The report indicates that the corporate assurance rating has been assessed as adequate, a decrease from previous years, reflecting increasing pressures on local authorities and future uncertainties. Key risk themes identified across directorates include Local Government Re-organisation, Increased Demand, Budget and Funding, and Organisational Stability.

Annual Audit Report & Opinion

Claire Goodenough, Head of Audit and Risk, will present the Annual Audit Report & Opinion for the financial year 2025-26. This report will share the Head of Internal Audit's opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the council's governance, risk management, and control environments. It will also detail the delivery of the internal audit service throughout the year. The opinion formed is that the frameworks of governance, risk, and internal controls are adequate, with audit testing demonstrating that controls are working in practice.

Internal Audit Strategy

The committee will also consider the Internal Audit Strategy for the three-year period from 2026 to 2029, presented by Claire Goodenough. This strategy outlines the audit function's strategic direction, priorities, and resource development plans, ensuring alignment with the Global Internal Audit Standards. The vision for the Corporate Assurance & Risk Management (CARM) functions is to be a trusted partner, driving continuous improvement to support the achievement of organisational objectives and safeguard the public use of resources.

External Audit Plans

Amanda Reid, Strategic Finance Manager, will introduce the external auditor's 2025/26 indicative audit plans for both Lincolnshire County Council and the Lincolnshire Pension Fund. These plans, prepared by KPMG, will outline the auditors' approach to the upcoming financial year's audits, including risk assessments, planned audit scope, and materiality levels. The plans detail significant risks such as the valuation of land and buildings, post-retirement benefit obligations, and the potential for management override of controls.

Elected and Co-opted Members Register of Interests

Will Bell, Monitoring Officer, will present a report detailing changes to legislation concerning the publication of elected and co-opted members' home addresses in their registers of interest. As of 29 June 2026, home addresses will no longer be automatically published unless a member specifically requests it.

Strategic Risk - Deep Dive Review

Kevin Lane, Team Leader - Insurance and Risk, will present a report offering the committee an opportunity to select a specific risk or risk theme for a detailed deep dive review. This process is designed to help the committee gain assurance over the effectiveness of the council's risk management arrangements. Potential topics for discussion include Market Supply Children's and Local Government Re-organisation, as well as emerging horizon scanning risks such as Artificial Intelligence usage and its associated cyber risks.

Audit Committee Work Programme

Finally, Claire Goodenough, Head of Audit and Risk Management, will present the Audit Committee's Work Programme. This report invites the committee to review and amend the programme to ensure it covers all necessary assurance areas, particularly in preparation for approving the Annual Governance Statement. The work programme outlines scheduled activities and the assurances sought from each.