Issue - meetings

Evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the Governance and Audit Committee (report of the Scrutiny and Policy Officer enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Scrutiny and Policy Officer which evaluated the impact and effectiveness of the Governance and Audit Committee.

The Scrutiny and Policy Officer introduced the report to members and

the following main points were highlighted:

• The self-assessment process had been re-introduced to the Committee in 2024/5 which had resulted in the Action Plan at Appendix 1;
• In preparation for the report at the current meeting, members  had received a questionnaire which was completed separately and anonymously;
• The report presented the results of the questionnaire at Appendix 2 which highlighted the following development areas:
  • Knowledge and skills, including a better understanding of the role and purpose of the Governance and Audit Committee;
  • A greater understanding of the role for those charged with Governance; and
  • An evaluation of knowledge, skills and training needs of Committee members to be undertaken.
• The current meeting gave Members the opportunity to discuss support they required and provide input to the Governance and Audit Committee Action Plan for 2025/26.

Members considered the report and made the following comments:

• Members suggested that a skills audit be undertaken.
  • The Scrutiny and Policy Officer would arrange for this to take place outside of the formal meeting.

• The Chairman encouraged both new and existing members to attend training sessions when they were offered.

AGREED:

That following review of the Governance and Audit Committee Self-Assessment Plan Action Plan from 2024/25, the committee agreed to new actions to work towards during 2025/26.