The Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee of the City of Edinburgh Council convened on 16 September 2025, to discuss a range of topics including the council's risk profile, audit reports, and the winter festivals.

Audit and Risk Management

Annual Audit Report

The committee was scheduled to receive the City of Edinburgh Council 2024/25 Annual Audit Report.

Audit Scotland Report: Transformation

The committee was to review a report on the Audit Scotland briefing: Transformation: how councils are redesigning and delivering more efficient services to achieve planned outcomes. The report noted that the City of Edinburgh Council was not yet demonstrating significant transformational change activity to reduce demand for its services and secure longer-term financial sustainability. The report also included an agreed improvement plan.

Internal Audit Reports

The committee was scheduled to discuss the findings and outcomes of internal audits completed between June and September 2025. This included a discussion of the Support for Carers audit.

Internal Audit Activity

The committee was to receive an update on Internal Audit activity and overall progress with the delivery of the 2025/26 Internal Audit plan.

Internal Audit Actions

The committee was to review a performance dashboard outlining the status of open and overdue internal audit actions as of 1 September 2025.

Corporate Leadership Team Risk Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the most significant risks identified by the Corporate Leadership Team as of 21 July 2025. New risks added to the register included security and reduction in class contact time.

Corporate Governance Code Self-Assessment

The committee was to consider the Corporate Governance Code Self-Assessment for 2024/25.

Performance and Strategy

Public Performance Scorecard

The committee was to consider the Public Performance Scorecard Annual Report, covering the reporting year April 2024 to March 2025.

Strategic Programme Board

The committee was to note the work of the Strategic Programme Board and the governance and risk management arrangements supporting transformation projects across the council.

Accounts Commission Briefing

The committee was to discuss the Accounts Commission Briefing on Local Government Budgets, 2025/26, which was referred from the Finance and Resources Committee. The briefing included six recommendations on improvements to encourage further public participation in budget setting.

Operational Matters

Winter Festivals Update

The committee was to receive an update on the 2024/25 Winter Festivals, including financial information and details of an open book audit.

Westfield Court

The committee was to note the Building Condition Survey Report for Westfield Court, a building in the Sighthill/Gorgie ward.

Empowered Learning - Filtering

The committee was to note a report on internet filtering for the Empowered Learning programme and ongoing work regarding access to Wikipedia.

Suspension of the Council House Letting Policy

The committee was to discuss an update on the suspension of the Council House Letting Policy, which was referred from the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee.

Internal Audit Update

The committee was to note an internal audit update referred from the EIJB Audit and Assurance Committee.

Webcasting of Meetings and Recording Private Business

The committee was to consider a report on webcasting of meetings and recording private business, which was referred from the Policy and Sustainability Committee following a motion by Councillor Kate Campbell. The report outlined options for webcasting public meetings and recording private items of business.

Other Matters

The committee was also scheduled to approve the minute of the Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee of 12 June 2025, review outstanding actions, and consider the committee work programme for 2025-26.

Councillor Kate Campbell was scheduled to preside as Convener. There was to be a discussion of deputations, if any. There was to be a declaration of interests by any of the attendees.