The Governance and Audit Committee of Flintshire Council met on Wednesday 26 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the election of a new chair and vice-chair, the acceptance of substitutes on the committee, and multiple reports from Audit Wales. The committee also reviewed the council's digital strategy, performance information, and equality impact assessments.

Together We Can Community Resilience and Self-reliance

The committee discussed the Audit Wales report on community resilience and self-reliance. The report highlighted the importance of community resilience, defined by Public Health Wales as the ability of a community to draw on its strengths and assets to cope with adversity. Audit Wales recommended that councils conduct a self-assessment and create an action plan to address community resilience. The committee noted that while Flintshire Council recognises the importance of community resilience, limited resources constrain the implementation of wider programmes. The council decided not to implement the recommendations due to resource limitations but acknowledged the value of community resilience.

Digital Strategy Audit Wales Review Recommendations and Proposed Actions

The committee reviewed the Audit Wales report on the council's digital strategy. The report recommended a more structured approach to partnerships, clearer identification of resource implications, and monitoring of potential savings from digital projects. The council accepted these recommendations and has already started implementing changes, including requiring upfront identification of savings for new projects and formalising the monitoring of non-financial impacts.

Use of Performance Information Service User Perspective and Outcomes

The committee discussed the Audit Wales report on performance information. The report recommended strengthening the information provided to senior leaders to better understand service user perspectives and outcomes. The council acknowledged the need for improvement and is working on a consultation and engagement strategy to enhance how it gathers and uses service user feedback. The committee noted concerns about the timeliness and accuracy of data but accepted the council's planned actions to address these issues.

Equality Impact Assessments More Than a Tick Box Exercise

The committee reviewed the Audit Wales report on equality impact assessments (EIAs). The report recommended that public bodies review their approach to EIAs. Flintshire Council is piloting a new tool developed by the University of Manchester to streamline the EIA process and reduce repetition. The committee supported the pilot and will review the outcomes before deciding on full implementation.

Annual Audit Summary for Flintshire County Council

The committee considered the Annual Audit Summary from Audit Wales, which covered the audit of accounts, value for money, and the sustainable development principle. The summary included completed and planned audit work. The committee noted the report and expressed concerns about the focus on value for money and the accuracy of data.

Internal Audit Charter

The committee reviewed and approved the Internal Audit Charter, which outlines the mandate for internal audit functions. The charter was updated with minor changes, primarily job titles, and will be reviewed again next year to incorporate changes from global standards.

Governance and Audit Committee Action Tracking

The committee accepted the action tracker, which monitors the progress of action points raised by the committee.

Forward Work Programme

The committee reviewed and approved the forward work programme, noting the need for timely distribution of documentation and the inclusion of training on the three lines of defence model.

The next meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee is scheduled for 24 July 2024.