Decision details

            Upon invitation of the Chair, the Internal Audit Manager introduced the report. He explained that he was presenting the report on behalf of the Group Head of Policy, who was unable to attend the Meeting. He highlighted paragraph 3.2, an agreed definition of what constituted a partnership arrangement for this purpose, and paragraph 2.7 which excluded purely contractual relationships with key partners (e.g. Biffa, Freedom Leisure, etc.), which should have formal governance and reporting in place.  The Register would need to be maintained by Officers and reviewed periodically by Members and, should it be required, further review of some partnerships may be requested, to consider the role of the Council and to confirm that appropriate benefits were being achieved. 

A discussion then took place, and the following points were raised:

·         The report was welcomed, along with the opportunity for Internal Audit to carry out detailed reviews, as prior to this there had been no mechanism to carry out Partnership reviews.

·         Clarification was sought on how often the register would be reported back to the Audit & Governance Committee, and also how the work would be resourced and funded. It was agreed the Committee Manager would request an update from the Group Head of Policy, to be circulated to Members.

            The recommendation was Proposed by Councillor Chapman and Seconded by Councillor Staniforth.

The Committee

            RESOLVED

That the Audit and Governance Committee review the Partnerships Register on an annual basis and direct Internal Audit to carry out detailed reviews where necessary