We have
appointed the Governance and Audit Committee to ensure our
financial affairs are properly and efficiently conducted. None of
the members belongs to our Cabinet.
Overarching Purpose
The
purpose of the Governance and Audit Committee is to:
1. ensure the Council’s financial affairs are
properly and efficiently conducted;
and
2. review assurance as to the adequacy of the risk
management and governance framework and the associated control
environment.
Objectives of the Committee
On behalf of the
Council the Governance and Audit Committee will ensure the
following outcomes:
(a)
Risk Management and Internal Control systems are in
place that are adequate for purpose and effectively and efficiently
operated.
(b) The
Council’s Corporate Governance framework meets recommended
best practice, is embedded across the whole Council and is
operating throughout the year with no significant
lapses.
(c) The Council’s Internal Audit
function is independent of the activities it audits, is effective,
has sufficient experience and expertise and the scope of the work
to be carried out is appropriate.
(d) The
appointment and remuneration of the external auditors is approved
in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance, and the
function is independent and objective.
(e) The
external audit process is effective, taking into account relevant
professional and regulatory requirements, and is undertaken in
liaison with Internal Audit.
(f) The Council’s financial
statements (including the Pension Fund Accounts) comply with
relevant legislation and guidance and the associated financial
reporting processes are effective.
(g) Any
public statements in relation to the Council’s financial
performance are accurate and the financial judgements contained
within those statements are sound.
(h)
Accounting policies are appropriately applied across the
Council.
(i)
The Council has a robust counter fraud culture backed by well
designed and implemented controls and procedures, which define the
roles of management and Internal Audit.
(j) The
Council monitors the implementation of the Bribery Act Policy to
ensure that it is followed at all
times