The Audit and
Standards Committee was established at the Annual Council meeting
on 24 May 2012. Its role is two-fold:
Audit
– The Committee oversees the
Council's internal audit and risk functions; receives and approves
external audit reports; scrutinises and approves the Annual
Statement of Accounts; makes reports and recommendations to
the Cabinet, Committees and the Council as a whole on the
adequacy of its corporate governance and risk management
arrangements and the associated control environment.
Standards - The Committee deals with a range of matters including issues
concerning Councillors’ conduct,
providing advice and guidance to the Council, the Cabinet and
individual Councillors and advising on
the application and review of the Constitution.
Terms of reference
Regulatory framework
11.
To review
any issue referred to it by the Managing Director, Statutory
Officer or any Council body.
12.
To monitor
the effective development and operation of risk management and
corporate governance in the Council.
13.
To consider
the Council’s arrangements to secure value for money and
review assurances and assessments on the effectiveness of these
arrangements.
14.
To monitor
the Council’s policies on whistle blowing, for contraventions
of financial and other procedures or fraud-related situations;
Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy and complaints.
15.
To monitor
the production of the Annual Governance Statement and recommend its
adoption to the Cabinet.
16.
To consider
the Council’s framework of assurance and ensure it adequately
addresses the risks and priorities of the Council.
17.
To consider
the Council’s compliance with its own and other published
standards and controls.
Accounts
18.
To review
and approve the Annual Governance Statement and Annual Statement of
Accounts, considering whether appropriate accounting policies have
been followed.
19.
To consider
the external auditor’s report to those charged with
governance on issues arising from their audit of the
accounts.
Accountability Arrangements
20.
To report
to Full Council on a regular basis on the Committee’s
performance in relation to the terms of reference and the
effectiveness of the Committee in meeting its purpose.
Standards
21.
Promoting
and maintaining high standards of conduct by Councillors and co-opted persons of
Committees.
22.
Assisting
Councillors and co-opted persons of
Committees to observe the Code of Conduct.
23.
Advising
the Council on the adoption or revision of the Code of
Conduct.
24.
Monitoring
the operation of the Code of Conduct.
25.
Advising
and/or censuring and/or imposing a sanction on a Councillor or co-opted person of a Committee (or
former Councillor or co-opted person)
of the Council.
26.
Having oversight of all aspects of
Councillor development.
27.
Receiving annual reports in a monitoring
and guidance role on whistle blowing, bullying and
harassment.
28.
Being fully involved in any ethical
review of the Council or its activities.
Meetings are open to members of the public, except
for when confidential information is being considered.
Members of the public may ask questions at meetings
of the Audit & Standards Committee.
Chairing
1.
Full Council shall appoint the Chair and the Vice
Chair of the Committee.