Agenda item

The Service Director Finance will submit a report providing the Committee with assurance that, following review, the Risk Management Framework remains fit for purpose prior to the Framework being considered and approved by Cabinet.

The Service Director Finance submitted a report providing the Committee with assurance that, following review, the Risk Management Framework remained fit for purpose prior to the Framework being considered and approved by Cabinet on the 3^rd May, 2017.

It was important that the Framework remain up to date in order to accurately reflect the effective and efficient management of risks to the achievement of the objectives.  This was of particular relevance and importance given the Future Council programme.  The Framework (including the Risk Management Policy Objective Statement and Risk Management Strategy) were key elements in the implementation of good governance arrangements and formed key elements of the Council’s Annual Governance Review process.

The report gave details of the contents of the Risk Management Framework and provided a table showing each individual element together with a brief commentary as to any updates required.  The report went on to outline the importance that the Risk Management Policy Objective Statement and Strategy had in seeking to ensure that any significant risks that could impact upon the delivery of the Authority’s objectives were appropriately managed in order to minimise the significant potential obstacles to the achievement of the corporate objectives.  It also focused on the development of the Risk Management Policy Objective Statement and Strategy and the contribution this would make to the embedding of a risk management culture throughout the Council.

Appendices to the report provided the following:

·         Risk Management Strategy 2017/18

·         Corporate Assurance Group Terms of Reference 2017/18

·         Risk Acceptance Model 2017/18

·         Risk ‘Challenge’ Process 2017/18

·         Risk Management Training Strategy 2017/18

In response to questioning, the Risk and Governance Manager commented on the following:

·         It was not anticipated that there would be any issues in meeting the Performance Indicators detailed within Appendix 1 of the Strategy document

·         Reference was made to the Risk Management Training Strategy and how it was ensured that Risk Management was embedded within the Council.  Appropriate training was provided where required and details would be provided for members of the Committee

·         In referring to the Risk Acceptance Model detailed within Appendix 3, reference was made to the Council’s aspirations in relation to the ways in which it would:

o   respond positively to challenges

o    make the most of limited and reducing resources

o   ensure plans, projects and programmes were appropriately resourced  to maximise success and deliver the intended priorities and outcomes

o   implement robust arrangements to performance manage progress

RESOLVED that the assurances of the Risk Management Framework and the fact that it remains fit for purpose be noted and the report be referred to Cabinet on the 3^rd May, 2017 for consideration and approval.