Issue - meetings

An annual review and update of the Council’s Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality Policy took place in March 2021.

A recent Internal Audit review has been carried out on arrangements in place to ensure adequate staff awareness of the Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality Policy and to confirm declarations were being made as necessary. The review resulted in a ‘Reasonable’ assurance audit opinion and recommendations made to improve arrangements are being implemented.

There have been no internal or external identified instances, whistleblowing or reports by any other means where an undeclared interest has led to any disciplinary action or led to reputational damage.  

The Head of Audit and Management Assurance presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Head of Audit and Management Assurance reported on the annual review and update of the Council’s Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality Policy which took place in March 2021.

The Committee was advised that a recent Internal Audit review had been carried out on arrangements in place to ensure adequate staff awareness of the Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality Policy and to confirm declarations were being made as necessary. The review resulted in a ‘Reasonable’ assurance audit opinion and recommendations made to improve arrangements were being implemented.

There had been no internal or external identified instances, whistleblowing or reports by any other means where an undeclared interest had led to any disciplinary action or led to reputational damage.

The Head of Audit and Management Assurance reported on the level of declarations by senior officers and that there was still work to do on wider compliance but risks were much lower. He highlighted the opportunity to embed the policy into the organisation’s staff induction process for new staff as well as on-going awareness reminders for other staff.  In response to a question on the level of discretion officers should apply in determining if a declaration is required or not, the Head of Audit and Management Assurance reported that all officers should make relevant declarations in accordance with the agreed policy and the Nolan principles.

RESOLVED that the Audit & Governance Committee notes the annual review of the Register of Declarations of Outside Interests and Receipts of Gifts & Hospitality by Officers for 2020/21.

Voting: Unanimous