To consider the annual report, associated action plan, and detailed feedback on the Audit & Governance Committee’s performance and to endorse that the report represents a fair reflection of the year, prior to its submission to Council.

The Committee considered a report in line with CIPFA guidance which recommended that Audit Committees produced an annual report demonstrating how they had fulfilled their responsibilities and assessed their effectiveness. The report presented the Audit and Governance Committee’s Annual Report for 2025/26 (Appendix 1) alongside the detailed results of member and officer effectiveness surveys (Appendix 2).

The report concluded that the Committee had continued to operate effectively across its core responsibilities, including governance, risk management, internal control, and oversight of internal and external audit. Key developments during the year had included changes to Committee structure and reporting cycles, improved access to information through a dedicated SharePoint site, and continued investment in member training.

The officer and member survey feedback had indicated a strong understanding of the Committee’s role and generally positive views on its performance, particularly in relation to risk management, internal audit, training, and meeting management. However, the findings had also highlighted areas where assurance and visibility could be strengthened. These included issue escalation, tracking of recommendations, stakeholder engagement, and clarity around the Committee’s overall impact.

Resolved:     That the Audit and Governance Committee’s Annual Report be endorsed as a fair reflection of its performance over the 2025/26 Municipal Year for submission to Council at its meeting on 13 October 2026.