The Audit and Governance Committee of Newham Council was scheduled to discuss several reports concerning the council's financial management and operational efficiency. Key agenda items included updates on staff retention and exit processes, a review of treasury management, and findings from limited assurance reports on payments to foster carers and the Newshare system.

Limited Assurance Reports - Newshare - Manager's Update

The committee was scheduled to receive a management update in response to an audit report on the Newshare system, which had been previously presented to the Audit Committee on 16 September 2020. This update was intended to address questions raised by the committee at that time and was for information, comment, and noting.

Council Staff Retention and Skills Update

A report was scheduled to be presented to the Audit Committee providing an update on the recruitment and retention of staff within the council. This report was also for information, comment, and noting.

Exit Process for Staff

The committee was due to receive an overview of the processes involved when staff leave the council. The report was also to advise the committee of a planned end-to-end review of all processes related to staff starters, movers, and leavers. This item was for information, comment, and noting.

Treasury Management Report 2019/2020 and 2020/21 Mid Year Update Report

This report was scheduled to provide a review of the council's treasury management activities for the 2019/20 financial year and a mid-year update for 2020/21. Regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003 require the council to produce such reviews, which include the actual and forecast prudential and treasury indicators. The report was for information, comment, and noting.

Limited Assurance Report - Payment to Foster Carers

The agenda indicated that the committee would consider a limited assurance report concerning the management of risks related to payments made to foster carers. The audit focused on the effectiveness of operational controls and identified four key areas requiring attention, with 16 high-priority recommendations aimed at mitigating the identified risks. This report was for information, comment, and noting.

Year Ahead Forward Plan

A draft of the committee's forward plan for the upcoming year was scheduled for discussion.

Actions from the Last Meeting

The committee was expected to note the current Action Log and identify which actions were to be closed at this meeting.

Minutes of the Last Meeting

The committee was scheduled to confirm the minutes of the previous Audit Committee meeting, held on 16 September 2020, as a correct record.