Agenda item

This report presents the Annual Governance Statement, which provides an assessment of the council’s governance arrangements for the financial year ending 31 March 2017.

Declarations of interest:

None

Witnesses:

David McNulty, Chief Executive

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.    Investment Strategy:- The Chief Executive explained that there was a gateway process, set out in the Investment Strategy, that described its route prior to it reaching the Investment Board.  The Board would then take a view and send a formal paper to Cabinet for consideration.  The Chairman stated that he had concerns about the new criteria arrangements described in the report that went to Cabinet in March 2017.  The Chief Executive explained that the Council invests under different powers which include internal investment as well as investments of social or community value.  The Council has a legal responsibility to support economic prosperity in its localities.

2.    Staff Survey:- In response to a query about whether Members received details of the staff survey the Chief Executive explained that the survey was undertaken each year and provided key information about where things could be done differently or better.  Following each survey an action plan was drawn up to ensure continual improvement in services.  The main theme to come out of the latest survey was that of uncertainty both from within the Council and in the wider world.  The survey was a worthwhile resource and provided much information on a wide range of questions.

3.    Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub -MASH:- In response to a request for a sentence to be added regarding the ongoing work to bed down the working of the MASH, the Chief Executive explained why there had been the initial teething problems in setting up the MASH.  He also explained that even with the initial problems, Children were safer and better served than prior to establishing this MASH.  He also clarified that the Annual Governance Statement was focused on Governance and that this aspect appeared under engagement and collaboration and was not about the operation of the MASH.  He agreed to include a sentence regarding the MASH Board, consisting of leaders from the partner organisations, which oversees the operation of the MASH.

4.    In response to other queries the Chief Executive explained:-

·         that it was important for people to know that webcasts were there to view at their convenience;

·         that whilst Orbis was expected to continue to expand there were no other collaborative partnerships in the pipeline.  The next step was to work towards better integration of health and social care.

·         there were many ways in which the Council communicated with Government and MPs to ensure they understood the issues the Council was facing.

Actions/ further information to be provided:

1.    To request information regarding the effectiveness of registering/declaring significant personal interests and whether these were ever declared in meetings.

2.    To request information regarding webcasting usage and whether the number of meetings webcast was up or down.

3.    That the Chief Executive include a sentence, in the AGS, regarding the MASH Board, consisting of leaders from the partner organisations, which oversees the operation of the MASH.

Resolved:

To commend the draft Annual Governance Statement to the Cabinet for publication with the Council’s Statement of Accounts.

Reason for decision:

The council is required to annually review the effectiveness of its governance arrangements and produce an Annual Governance Statement.