Issue - meetings

The Director for Finance, Risk and Performance introduced the report, which set out the Committee’s work programme designed to ensure that statutory responsibilities were met, that assurance reports were received at appropriate intervals, and that the Committee maintained a balanced focus on audit, governance, and risk management throughout the year.

Members were informed that no substantive business had been identified for the May?2026 meeting, based on the forward plan and the timing of key activities. As a result, the Committee was advised that the May meeting was proposed for cancellation, as it would not provide meaningful business for Members.

The Director also referred to the in?person Risk Management training scheduled for 18?June. He emphasised the importance of Member attendance at training sessions and reminded Members that no Audit & Governance Committee representatives had attended the recent Treasury Management training, despite it being a key area within the Committee’s remit. He confirmed that, once appointments for the forthcoming municipal year were settled at Annual Council, Member availability for the June Risk Management session would be checked and an alternative session arranged if required.

The Chair thanked the Director for Finance, Risk and Performance for the report.

Members raised questions in relation to recent training sessions being held outside of the meetings and asked if officers were able to suggest any further training topics which were relevant for Committee. Clarity was also sought as to if any reports relating to LGR would come before the Committee. 

Members heard that the training for both Treasury Management and Risk Management were 2-hour sessions, and it was therefore unfeasible to conduct these within the Committee’s meetings.

Members were told that in respect of LGR, this process was in its preliminaries - with a statement due in July, hopefully giving direction to East Herts Council. Discussion was also had as to if LGR fell under the remit of the Audit and Governance Committee or the Overview and Scrutiny Committee – for which the Director for Finance, Performance and Risk would make enquires.     

It was moved by Councillor Nicholls and seconded by Councillor Connoly 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 Audit and Governance Committee Work Programme for the 2025/26 municipal year and for 2026/27 as outlined in the report be noted and considered, and;

B) that any training requirements to support Members in fulfilling their roles effectively be identified.