An introduction from Mr John Anderson, Chair of Warwickshire Joint Audit and Standards Committee, to enable consideration by the Panel of future joint working arrangements.
Warwickshire Joint Audit and Standards Committee considers internal and external audit reports, standards, including police ethics and transparency of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable. The Committee, which meets 3 - 4 times a year, comprises five independent members.
Minutes:
Mr John Anderson, Chair of Warwickshire Joint Audit and Standards Committee (WJASC), provided a presentation to the Police and Crime Panel to explain the role of the Committee and the options for future collaborative working between the two bodies.
Mr Anderson described the role that WJASC performed in ensuring that the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable maintain high standards of corporate governance by providing an independent and high-level focus on the audit, assurance and reporting arrangements in place. He explained that WJASC received regular briefings from the Commissioner and Chief Constable in respect of key risks and areas of concern, including how they are proposed to be addressed.
Mr Anderson explained that, through the review of regular reports at its quarterly meetings, WJASC provided independent advice and recommendations to the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable with a focus on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance frameworks, processes and assurance; risk management and internal control frameworks; financial reporting; and ethics and standards. He explained that by these means, efficient audit and assurance arrangements could be secured in compliance with recognised standards.
Mr Anderson reported that WJASC received quarterly reports (including input from HMICFRS) covering annual financial statements and governance reports; external and internal auditor’s workplans, progress reports and assessments; treasury, strategy and management updates; risk registers; codes of ethics; and the Warwickshire Assurance Board and Force Crime & Incident Registrar’s workplan, audits and assurance.
Mr Anderson commented that the scrutiny work undertaken by the Panel had featured in material considered by WJASC and was referred to as part of the reporting of actions taken within risk register documents. He explained that the Panel’s work was included within the Annual Governance Statement which considered delivery of the Police and Crime Plan.
Mr Anderson observed that, whilst there was some visibility of the work of Panel for WJASC, the scope of the Panel to view the activities of WJASC appeared to be more restricted. He drew attention to the similarities in the conduct and work of the two bodies, noting that they each had defined statements of purpose; an annual work plan; received regular briefings and reports; published agendas and minutes of meetings; and reported annually on their work.
Mr Anderson presented five suggestions for improved coordination between the two bodies:
i. The sharing of each body’s agendas, minutes and annual work plan and report;
ii. Circulation to the members of WJASC of the regular reports of the Police and Crime Commissioner to the Panel as well as any reports of the Panel’s sub-committees;
iii. Briefing to the Panel of WJASC’s Annual Governance Statement;
iv. The Chairs of each body to meet half-yearly to discuss common issues;
v. For a member of each body, by rotation, to attend the other’s meetings and provide feedback to their fellow members.
On behalf of the Panel, the Chair thanked Mr Anderson and expressed his gratitude for the recommendations for improved joint working arrangements.
Action:
Democratic Services to liaise with the Chair and Mr John Anderson to develop a shared statement identifying the terms of working in unison including lines of engagement to ensure compliance with statutory roles.