Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Chambers and Councillor Clark.

Noted.

Members are reminded of the need to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests they have in an item being discussed during the course of the meeting. In addition, the receipt of any gift or hospitality should be declared where the value of it was thought to have exceeded £25 (gifts) or £40 (hospitality).

No declarations of interest were made in relation to matters under consideration at the meeting.

Agreed.

(a)   Health and Safety Issues

(b)   Whistleblowing

(c)    Approval of WMCA Accounts 17/18 ARAC Membership (minute no. 4 refers)

Noted.

An update to be provided on General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) preparations by the WMCA at the next meeting.

(1)  A Governance map that would enable members to identify the relationship and liaison with other Combined Authority committees was to be submitted at the next meeting.

(2)  An organisational chart and brief summary for each Management Team post holder to be circulated to members of the committee for information.

Approved by Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee (ARAC) members on  condition that appropriate training be provided to members to enable them to carry out their responsibilities effectively and satisfactory hand-over planning was made for new ARAC members joining at the end of the approval process.

Noted.

Noted.

All members of the committee were encouraged to review, complete and return the self-assessment documentation.

(1)  The checklist that was to be used to seek confidence in assurance arrangements for arm’s length companies related to the West Midlands Combined Authority was noted and members asked for other points to be considered.  Councillor Margaret Bassett proposed a list, which the Clerk was to circulate.

(2)  The signed checklist should accompany the Annual Governance Letter when it was presented to Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee on an annual basis.

The contents of the Iatest Internal Audit Report was noted.  In future more detailed reports would be shared when the ratio of Amber findings outweighed Green, as well as when there was a Red finding.

The Internal Audit Charter was approved, subject to the consideration of the new management’s proposals due to be heard by Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee at the end of January.

(1)  The report was noted.  There remained a concern over capability versus aspiration going forward and whether this would mean reduced aspiration or a risk to quality and performance.

(2)  The committee to receive an update on capability and vacancy risks in respect of aspiration vs capability.

To pass the following resolution:

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Approved.

Noted.

Noted. Members agreed that the continued presence of the Commonwealth Games updates on the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee agenda could be ceased if and when the Strategic Risk Register carried a clear reference and mitigation for high perception risk activities that may not be under the direct control of the Combined Authority.

Noted.  The Monitoring Officer had agreed to define the boundaries of the Combined Authority’s responsibilities for members of the committee to overcome the risk of confusion between the Combined Authority and Local Authority responsibilities.

Noted.