Issue - meetings

The Director for Finance, Risk and Performance presented the report, outlining the Council’s key strategic risks, how they had evolved, and the actions in place to manage them. Members’ attention was drawn to the internal audit findings on risk management, with recommendations set out in paragraph?2.3. They were informed that work was already underway to implement these recommendations, including clarifying target risk scores, strengthening risk indicators within the Strategic Risk Register, carrying out directorate?level deep dives to ensure alignment between corporate and operational risks, and arranging training for both officers and Members.

The Director for Finance, Risk and Performance confirmed that the overall strategic risk profile for Quarter?3 remained broadly similar to that of Quarter?2, with the only notable change being an update to the climate change risk.

The Chair thanked the Director for Finance, Risk and Performance for the report. Members commented that the inclusion of the target risk was very helpful.

Members queried whether the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) risk should be broadened to reflect the potential impact on frontline service delivery arising from the demands placed on management time. Members also questioned whether the current risk score attributed to Financial Resources remained appropriate or required reclassification.

In response, Members were advised that these were valid considerations and that the uncertainties surrounding LGR would continue to influence the development of the risk register. The Director for Finance, Risk and Performance confirmed that he would review the adequacy of the Financial Resources risk for Quarter 4.

Members observed that the climate change mitigations within the register appeared vague and questioned the extent to which the Council was able to control this risk.

Members were advised that the mitigations related specifically to Amwell Depot, for which a planning application had been submitted. They also heard that Leadership Team was mindful of delays associated with this achieving process.

It was moved by Councillor Deeringand seconded by Councillor Nicholls that that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) The 2025/26 quarter three corporate risk register and actions being taken to control and mitigate risk be considered and noted, and;

B) That the actions being taken following the recent internal audit report on the Council’s risk management arrangements be noted.