The Committee meets at least four times yearly and undertakes the following functions:
- Discussing the nature and scope of the forthcoming audit with the external auditor.
- Receiving and commenting on the external auditor’s Audit Strategy Memorandum, Audit Completion Report and Annual Audit letter.
- Receiving regular progress reports from Internal Audit and considering the issues and action plans arriving from any audit.
- Approving the Internal Audit Plan.
- Approving the Internal Audit Charter.
- Considering the report on the Annual Review of Internal Audit Effectiveness.
- Ensuring all auditors have the full cooperation of staff.
- Reviewing the Annual Governance Statement prior to its approval.
- Reviewing and reporting on corporate governance arrangements.
- Oversight of the risk management process and the Corporate Risk Register.
- Considering update reports on existing and emerging corporate risks.
- Considering reports from internal and external audits and inspections.
- Promoting the value of the audit process.
- Reviewing the counter fraud and corruption strategy to ensure that it remains fit for purpose and to gain assurance that the risk of fraud and any potential cases disclosed are effectively managed.
- To review the governance and assurance arrangements for significant partnerships or collaborations.
- Review and report on the quarterly and annual Financial Statements of the Authority.
- Consider and make recommendations to the Authority for the proposed revenue and capital budgets and Medium-Term Financial Plan.
- Consider any changes in the budget allocations arising from changes in the strategic policies and service plans.
- Consider any proposals for growth or budget reductions.
- Consider the revenue and capital budgets, Medium-Term Financial Plan, council tax levels and associated information prior to approval by the Authority.
- Consider the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy and on-going performance.
- Champion the development of staff conditions of service through the implementation and maintenance of People Strategies.
- Consider equality and diversity issues as they affect the Authority including consideration of reports submitted by the Service on policy matters relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Assist in maintaining good employment relations in the interest of providing the highest level of service to the residents of County Durham and Darlington and make recommendations to the Authority as to how employment relations could be improved.
- Consider reports submitted by the Service on policy matters relating to terms and conditions of employees (including early retirements, flexible retirements and redundancy).
- Oversight of the implementation of the Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services.
Papers from previous meetings are available on request, please use our Contact Us page to get in touch.