Agenda and draft minutes

None.

No members of the public were present.

The action list from the previous meeting was noted.

https://www.youtube.com/live/aVwKn1biO4s?si=mSyA8PNc-ZXVH605&t=50

1.     Completion rate of mandatory training for all staff on Anti Fraud, Bribery and Corruption: On the agenda for today’s meeting [CLOSED]

2.     My Mates - Request Chief Officer and Heads of Service to attend meeting: On the agenda for today’s meeting. [CLOSED]

3.     Global Internal Audit Standards: Satisfactory e mail response was sent to Colin Prosser by the Deputy Chief Executive. It was agreed that the Governance and Audit Committee should maintain an interest in the structures to support small and medium sized businesses in Monmouthshire in the procurement process, as they become available.  [CLOSED]

The Chair noted that the Chief Officer for Social Care, Safeguarding and Accessible Health Services, the Head of Adult Services and All Age Disability and Mental Health Manager had been called in by the Committee to discuss the findings from the My Mates Internal Audit report which received an unfavourable opinion. The Committee wished to question how the situation had arisen and what is being done to address shortcomings.  The Officers presented slides in response to the My Mates Internal Audit Report.  Following the presentation, Committee Members were invited to ask questions:

https://www.youtube.com/live/aVwKn1biO4s?si=nz7gQ7ost2YR6hoh&t=2029

In line with the report recommendations Members of the Governance and Audit Committee accepted the explanations and assurances of the senior managers which will be confirmed by the follow up internal audit review.  

The Audit Wales Officer presented the Audit Wales briefing paper on the National Fraud Initiative.  Following presentation of the report, Members were permitted to ask questions:

https://www.youtube.com/live/aVwKn1biO4s?si=wqzG337VNruBHsD-&t=3494

The briefing paper was noted.

The Chief Internal Auditor presented a report on MCC Counter Fraud Risk Assessment.  Following presentation of the report, Members were invited to ask questions:

https://www.youtube.com/live/aVwKn1biO4s?si=lE5hqhslPEAwD8BQ&t=4070

As contained in the report recommendations, the Governance and Audit Committee commented on and endorsed the Council’s Counter Fraud, Corruption and Bribery Risk Assessment.

The Governance and Audit Committee will receive an updated report and assessment during the 2026/27 financial year (October 2026).

Items 7 and 8 were considered together. The Head of Finance presented the 2024/25 MCC Statement of Accounts (Final).  In doing so, the work of the Finance Team was recognised, also the co-operation between the Team and Audit Wales.  Following presentation of the reports, Members were invited to ask questions.

https://www.youtube.com/live/aVwKn1biO4s?si=MTH4YD3p1vE4xa2H&t=112

As included in the report recommendations:

1.         The committee noted that the statement of accounts provided have been amended since the draft version was published to reflect the outcomes of the external audit process, as detailed within the Audit Wales Audit of Accounts Report.

2.         The Governance and Audit Committee approved the final audited Monmouthshire County Council Statement of Accounts for 2024/25.

The Committee authorised the Chair to sign the letter of representation for submission to the Auditor General for Wales.

Audit Wales Officers presented a report on the Audit of the Accounts. This item was considered at the same time as the previous item.

https://www.youtube.com/live/aVwKn1biO4s?si=MTH4YD3p1vE4xa2H&t=112

The Chief Internal Auditor presented a report on Monmouthshire’s Implementation and Self-Assessment in relation to the Global Internal Audit Standards.  Following presentation of the report, Committee Members were invited to ask questions.

https://www.youtube.com/live/aVwKn1biO4s?si=XQjZ5S4YevM-BWgJ

As per the report recommendations the Governance & Audit Committee noted the self-assessment and the action plan to ensure full compliance. The Governance & Audit Committee will receive an update report in 6 months.

[ACTION] The Chief Internal Auditor to have a discussion with the Deputy Chief Executive and other officers as appropriate to ensure that there is sufficient budget available to confirm that all staff achieve a sufficient level of professional competence.

The Corporate Health and Safety Manager presented the Annual Health and Safety Report. Following presentation of the report, Members were invited to ask questions:

https://www.youtube.com/live/aVwKn1biO4s?si=TZtINpOebYSL9w_5&t=5523

In line with the report recommendations, the Governance and Audit Committee considered the Annual Health and Safety Report and provided feedback to inform future reports.

The Committee acknowledged the health and safety risk register and mitigating actions included as an Appendix to the Annual Health and Safety Report.

The Committee endorsed the health and safety priorities identified for 2025/26 which

will strengthen the Council’s health and safety management framework.

The Chief Internal Auditor presented the Internal Audit Quarterly Progress Report (Q2). The Head of Landlord Services was in attendance to answer some questions regarding Health & Safety Building Compliance – Limited Assurance.  Following presentation of the report, Members asked questions.  :

https://www.youtube.com/live/aVwKn1biO4s?si=nBFFl0v7tTqi2Bis&t=7009

As in the report recommendations, The Committee noted the audit opinions issued and noted the progress made by the Section towards meeting the 2025/26 Operational Audit Plan and the Section’s performance indicators at the 6-month stage of the financial year which are currently meeting the profiled target.

The Forward Work Plan was noted.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as an accurate record.