The Assistant Director: Finance and Investment (S151 Officer) introduced his report that provided Members with a progress update on actions taken by officers to address items of concern identified in the Annual Governance Statement for 2016/17. The report informed that progress was being made to address all issues identified in the action plan. Targets, timescales and responsible officers having been identified and tasks allocated and work underway. The Audit and Risk Management Committee was apprised that issues appearing in the action plan (appendix to the report) relating to Human Resources, Information Technology and Procurement were all subject of separate reports on the meeting agenda.

The Assistant Director: Finance and Investment (S151 Officer) further informed that the matter relating to the Improvement Plan regarding the Ofsted Inspection of Children’s Services continued to be subject to review and action, with regular detailed reports on progress presented to both the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee and to Cabinet.

Members questioned the officers on the matter of Business Continuity and why, given business continuity plans (BCPs) had been received for all 26 identified critical services the RAGB rating remained at Amber.

A Member questioned why, given the length of time that this matter had been identified as an area for action, only 21 of the 26 areas had been tested using a walkthrough exercise, particularly in key risk areas such as Health and Care (DASS), Supported Housing and SEN Transport. It was also identified that the CYPD Social Care, Specialist Services Plan had not been reviewed as at September 2017.

The Assistant Chief Executive informed that although walkthrough tests had been completed and the implementation in the majority of areas was much improved, he believed that the rating (for the entire plan) reflected the current position, but further assessment reviews were underway and the improvement plan was scheduled for review again in 6 months. A Member suggested that only those areas that were not achieving the required targets should be listed.

Members commented on the need for the Audit and Risk Management Committee to be kept informed of progress on these matters, given the Committees role in ensuring actions and process compliance is monitored, particularly those issues highlighted by both the external and internal auditors.

Resolved – that the report be noted.