Issue - meetings

An annual review and update of the Council’s Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality (for officers) Policy took place in February 2025 and the revised policy was approved by Audit & Governance Committee (27 February 2025).

Some minor changes were made to the policy as part of the annual evolution including adding directorship as a business role example that requires declaring if there is a business relationship with the Council and clarifying employees should not accept gifts from an organisation the Council is receiving services from. In addition, guidance has been improved on accepting incidental promotional items and the definition of hospitality has been clarified. Finally, guidance has been added on the Council receiving and giving prizes.

Internal Audit are able to provide reasonable assurance, through the completion of an annual exercise, that officers have generally made appropriate declarations of interests, gifts and hospitality with the exception of three officers who failed to declare other employment. Appropriate disciplinary action was taken. Further improvements to controls are planned to prevent recurrence.

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

Following an annual review and update of the Council’s Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality Policy for Officers, the revised policy for 2025/26 was approved by the Committee on 27 February 2025. The report summarised the minor changes made to the policy as part of the annual evolution and the improved guidance provided, including clarifications on business relationships, gift acceptance, and hospitality definitions. Bespoke training and awareness sessions continued to be delivered, including this year to Seafront Services, Investment and Development and Housing and the Council’s senior leadership network.

The report also summarised the work of Internal Audit to ensure policy compliance across the Council. Members were advised that on a risk basis this had focussed mainly on Tier 4 officers and above, with 100% compliance reported. The findings in relation to three officers who had been found to be working for two public bodies at the same time were noted in paragraph 12 of the report. The HAMA reported that his overall opinion was that the policy was fit for purpose, with a good level of awareness and compliance across the Council and 100% compliance at senior level.

RESOLVED that the Committee:

(a)   Audit & Governance Committee note the annual review of Declarations of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality by Officers (2024/25).

(b)  Note the opinion of the Head of Audit & Management Assurance that the Policy is fit for purpose and that there was a good level of awareness and compliance in 2024/25.

Voting: Agreed with no dissent