To consider the Corporate Risk Register.

The Committee considered the Corporate Risk Register.

During the discussion of this item, the following points were made:

·       The Committee was reminded that the focus should be on satisfying itself that the Council’s process of risk identification and risk mitigation, was sound, as opposed to the detail of the individual risks.

·       Some improvements had been made with regards to risk management but there was more work to be undertaken.  The Corporate Leadership Team would be holding a workshop to consider how the risk management arrangements could be further developed.

·       There were no new risks but the risks around the end of the EU transition and the elections had been removed.  Members were informed that Overview and Scrutiny would receive an update on lessons learnt in relation to the elections.

·       Changes to individual assessments to individual risks were highlighted.

·       The Interim Director Place and Growth emphasised that the risk regarding the Local Plan had moved from red to amber status, primarily due to the fact that the Council now had a process to Regulation 18 stage by the autumn.  The Council was within the timetable to seek examination of its Local Plan prior to the introduction of planning reform. 

·       Regular conversations took place with Housing Developments.

·       The Interim Director Place and Growth highlighted the Climate Emergency risk.  Work continued around the Action Plan which he felt to be very comprehensive.  The review, progress and implementation of the plan would be monitored.

·       The Interim Director Place and Growth highlighted the need for a smooth transition from the joint Public Protection Partnership to a standalone service.

·       The Committee was informed that as more people worked from home, domestic waste disposal may have increased. 

·       Councillor Ross questioned whether returning to physical meetings as the pandemic continued had an impact on governance.  The Assistant Director Governance indicated that a lot of work had been undertaken in a very short timescale following the announcement that the virtual meeting regulations would cease in May.  Contingency planning was in place around the July Council meeting.  The Council had a good technology solution in place to enable hybrid meetings.  The matter would be part of the Governance risk register.

·       Councillor Shepherd-DuBey questioned whether the transition from the PPP should be included on the risk register.  The Interim Director Place and Growth suggested that it would be included going forwards.  He assured the Committee that it was being closely monitored and he met regularly with his counterparts in West Berkshire and Bracknell.  Some project management expertise had also been recruited which reported directly to the Interim Assistant Director of Place. 

·       Councillor Gee questioned why Risk 4 was a medium risk and the inclusion of some of the existing controls for this risk.  The Interim Director Place and Growth commented that conversations had been continuing with officers, looking at other sites’ availability, which formed a new timetable, a local development scheme document, which was due to go to Executive in July.

·       With regards to the Climate Emergency risk, Councillor Gee felt that the further action to mitigate risk concerning the internal audit, should be reworded.  She also stated that it would be helpful to have an Executive Member with specific responsibility identified for Climate Emergency.  The Assistant Director Governance explained that the audit of the Climate Emergency Action Plan was within the Internal Audit Plan and was scheduled for Quarter 1.  A lot of work was being carried out to find the correct resources and expertise to deliver that.  Some external expertise would be sourced to assist.  The point regarding the clarity of lead Member responsibility would be taken forward.

RESOLVED:  That the risks and mitigating actions of the Council’s Corporate Risk Register be noted.