Agenda and minutes

None.

No members of the public were present.

The action list from the previous meeting was noted:

1.     Fraud, Corruption and Anti Bribery- Mandatory Training: The Chief Internal Auditor provided an interim update. [OPEN]

https://youtu.be/0ez2ZKT0uM0?si=QdpWuMSN-1Zxv653&t=77

The Chief Internal Auditor presented the Internal Audit Quarterly Progress Report (Q1). Following presentation of the report, Committee Members were invited to ask questions.

https://youtu.be/0ez2ZKT0uM0?si=8xf_tO_uinjZ3sCI&t=143

In line with the report recommendations:

·       The Committee noted the audit opinions issued; and

·        The Committee noted the progress made by the Section towards meeting the 2025/26 Operational Audit Plan and the Section’s performance indicators at the 3 month stage of the financial year which are currently ahead of the profiled target.

ACTION 1. In noting that the My Mates Service had been issued with a  Limited Assurance opinion, the Committee requested the attendance of a relevant senior officer at the next meeting to discuss how this situation has arisen and what is being done to address the deficiencies with a view to providing the required level of assurance that matters are being dealt with.

ACTION 2. Referring to the global internal audit standards, a Member asked for an update on how local medium sized businesses are being encouraged to bid for procurement contracts.  The Deputy Chief Executive will follow this action up and arrange for a response.

The Chair presented the draft Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report. Following presentation of the report, Committee Members were invited to comment.

https://youtu.be/0ez2ZKT0uM0?si=QQjg9FvtvTw3f7pe&t=823

The Committee approved the report which will now be considered by County Council.

The Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer presented the 2024.25 Welsh Church Fund/Monmouthshire Farm School Endowment Trust Draft Statements of Accounts to Committee. Following presentation of the report, Committee Members were invited to ask questions:

https://youtu.be/0ez2ZKT0uM0?si=mWvg-g7Ifw5UE7Ul&t=892

As per the report recommendations, the Governance & Audit Committee reviewed the 2024/25 draft Statement of Accounts for the above bodies and provided comments and proposed amendments to consider alongside the external audit process and prior to the final publication.

The Audit Wales Officer was requested to provide an update on the audit of the Council’s annual accounts.

https://youtu.be/0ez2ZKT0uM0?si=_hyZVqo9wfVehSYm&t=2018

Referring to the fee consultation, it was the view of the Committee that officers should respond if they choose to do so. If so, it was requested that their response is circulated to the Committee for information.

The Governance and Audit Committee Forward Plan was noted.

https://youtu.be/0ez2ZKT0uM0?si=v6Qj3KxM5sDgMbyP&t=2518

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

https://youtu.be/0ez2ZKT0uM0?si=n-vBNqfuiMhQiQmE&t=2531