Issue - meetings

An annual review and update of the Council’s Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality (for officers) Policy took place in February 2023 and the revised policy was approved by Audit & Governance Committee (16 February 2023).

Some changes were made to the Policy including a clearer statement that the Council requires all employees to consider their specific job role, not just their Council employment and personal circumstance when deciding whether to make a declaration. Guidance was added on the Council giving/receiving donations and also clarification made for giving/receiving sponsorship.

Through the completion of recent exercises, Internal Audit are able to provide reasonable assurance that officers have made appropriate declarations of interests, gifts and hospitality.

There have been no internal or external identified instances, whistleblowing or reports by any other means where an undeclared interest by officers 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 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Committee was reminded that an annual review and update of the Council’s Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality (for officers) Policy took place in February 2023 and the revised policy was approved by Audit and Governance Committee on 16 February 2023. As a result, some changes were made to the Policy including a clearer statement that the Council required all employees to consider their specific job role, not just their Council employment and personal circumstance, when deciding whether to make a declaration. Guidance was also added on giving and receiving donations and sponsorship.

Through the completion of recent exercises, Internal Audit were able to provide reasonable assurance that officers had made appropriate declarations of interests, gifts and hospitality.

It was also confirmed that there had been no internal or external identified instances, whistleblowing or reports by any other means where an undeclared interest by officers had led to any disciplinary action or led to reputational damage.

It was reported that of the 120 Council ‘tier 4’ officers required to provide a declaration (including a ‘nil’ declaration where applicable) there were only four declarations remaining outstanding and these were being actively pursued. A plan was also in place for implementation in September to consolidate and re-enforce existing mandatory training regimes in place across the Council.

Members were reminded that the Code of Conduct for Councillors provided parallel requirements for registration of interests and declaration of gifts by elected Members.  

RESOLVED that Audit and Governance Committee notes the annual review of Declarations of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality by Officers (2022/23).

Voting: Unanimous