Committee details

Terms of Reference - Corporate Affairs and Audit Committee

To have delegated powers to:

1.Deal with any matter, which is not an executive function and that has not been delegated to any other committee of the Council, including consideration and approval of the draft and final accounts.

2.Grant dispensation to Councillors, Co-opted Members and Parish Council Members from the requirements relating to declarations of interest as set out in Sections 32 of the Localism Act 2011.

3.Consider any items of urgency that would require the approval of the Council, as determined by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair of the Council and the Leader of the Majority Group.

4. External Audit Functions

(a) To advise on the appointment of the Council's external auditor.

(b) To discuss with the external auditor the nature and scope of audit coverage, including value for money (VFM).

(c) To review external audit reports and annual audit letters, together with the management response and make recommendations to the Executive.

(d) To examine any other concerns of the external auditors.

5. Internal Audit Functions

(a) Monitor the progress and performance of internal audit.

(b) To review the internal audit annual plan.

(c) To consider significant findings of Internal audit reviews and investigations together with management responses and monitor implementation of agreed recommendations.

(d) To advise the Executive on the internal audit function, resourcing and standing within the Authority.

(e) To ensure co-ordination between internal and external auditors.

(f) To consider the Audit Manager's annual report and comment annually on the adequacy and effectiveness of internal audit control systems within the Council.

6. Risk Management Functions and Business Continuity Functions

(a) To support and monitor the implementation and ongoing processes for identifying and managing key risks of the Authority.

(b) To ensure that effective and proper processes and procedures are in place to ensure business continuity of the Council.

7. Internal Control Functions

(a) To review and approve the Statement of Internal Control.

(b) To monitor the Council's compliance with its own published standards and controls and recommend any necessary changes to Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders.

8. Corporate Governance

(a) Keeping under review the Council's arrangements for Corporate Governance and proposing from time to time necessary actions to ensure compliance with best practice.

(b) To keep under review corporate policies such as the Public Information Disclosure Code (Whistleblowing) and Anti-fraud Strategy and data Quality Policy.

(c) Ensuring that effective systems are in place that will underpin the processes of the Council and ensure the highest standards in respect of audit and corporate governance matters.

9.   To maintain an overview of the whistle-blowing policy, complaints handling and Ombudsman Investigations.

10. Reporting

To report to the Executive or to the Council as appropriate, with findings and recommendations.

Seats: 7

Quorum: 3

Formed: 14 May 2014