The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee of Camden Council met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss the council's reward strategy, its policies on complaints and remedies, and its treasury management activities. The committee also reviewed its work plan and training schedule.

Annual Reward and Terms and Conditions Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of Camden's Reward Strategy. This strategy encompasses fair pay, benefits, culture and environment, wellbeing, and development. The report was expected to outline actions taken to maintain a competitive employment offer and address recruitment and retention challenges. A key element of the discussion was the proposed amendment to the Council's Probation approach, which would reduce the standard probationary period from six months to four months, effective from 1 July 2026. This change was designed to strengthen early performance management, support, and intervention. The report also detailed progress across the five pillars of the Reward Strategy, including fair pay initiatives, enhancements to the benefits package, developments in the council's culture and environment, wellbeing programmes, and learning and development opportunities.

Annual Review of the Complaints Policy and Remedies Policy

A review of the Council's Complaints Policy and Procedure and Remedies Policy was scheduled for discussion. This annual review is a requirement of the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code. The report indicated that substantive amendments made in previous years had been successfully embedded and were providing an effective framework for complaint handling and redress. It was noted that officers intended to undertake a further review in 2027, focusing on improving clarity and consistency, particularly in the application of the Remedies Policy across service areas like Children's Services and Special Educational Needs. A supplementary agenda item provided an update from the Housing Ombudsman, requesting minor changes to the Complaints Policy for improved clarity and to include links to council web pages. These changes were described as not substantial or material in effect.

Treasury Management Update – Lender Option Borrower Option (LOBO) Loans

The committee was to receive an update on the Council's LOBO loan portfolio, following the 2025/26 Treasury Management Outturn Report. The report was expected to detail the outcome of lender option dates that occurred in August 2026. Specifically, it was to cover the repayment of a £29 million LOBO loan from FMS Wertmanagement due to a proposed interest rate increase, and the subsequent replacement with a Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) loan. The update was also to provide information on the Council's wider borrowing position and future lender option dates.

Work and Training Plan and Action Tracker

The committee was scheduled to review its work programme and training plans for the remainder of the 2026/27 municipal year. This included noting the work plan, considering any proposed amendments, and reviewing details of the Member Induction programme and ongoing training. Members were invited to indicate any additional training areas they felt would be beneficial. The report also included an action tracker detailing progress on actions arising from previous meetings. The committee's terms of reference and the nine elements of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's (CIPFA) guidance on 'Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Audit Committee' were also to be considered.