The Audit Committee of Gedling Borough Council met on 16 September 2025 to discuss the draft annual governance statement, the unaudited statement of accounts, an external audit progress report, an internal audit progress report, and a corporate risk management review.

Councillor Ron McCrossen, Chair of the Audit Committee was scheduled to chair the meeting.

Draft Annual Governance Statement and Unaudited Statement of Accounts

The committee was scheduled to review the draft annual governance statement and the unaudited statement of accounts for 2024/25. The covering report was prepared by the Chief Financial Officer.

The annual governance statement is a key document in which the council reports on its governance arrangements and how they have operated during the financial year¹. It is intended to provide assurance that the council is managing its business effectively and that it is complying with relevant laws and regulations.

The agenda notes that the committee was to consider whether the annual governance statement:

properly reflects the risk environment and supporting assurances, taking into account internal audit's opinion on the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the council's framework of governance, risk management and control.

External Audit Progress Report

The committee was scheduled to discuss the external audit progress report for 2024/25. The report was prepared by the Chief Finance and Section 151 Officer, and included an appendix from BDO Global.

The agenda stated that the committee would consider specific reports as agreed with the external auditor, comment on the scope and depth of external audit work, and ensure it gives value for money. They would also advise and recommend on the effectiveness of relationships between external and internal audit and other inspection agencies or relevant bodies.

Internal Audit Progress Report

The committee was scheduled to discuss the internal audit progress report for 2025/26. The report was prepared by the Internal Audit Partner, BDO.

The agenda stated that the committee would approve the internal audit charter defining the role and scope of internal audit, and the risk-based internal audit plan, including internal audit's resource requirements. They would also consider reports from the Head of Internal Audit on internal audit's performance during the year, and summaries of specific internal audit reports as requested.

Corporate Risk Management Review

The committee was scheduled to discuss the corporate risk management review for Quarter 1, January - June 2025/26. The report was prepared by the Chief Finance and Section 151 Officer.

The agenda stated that the committee would consider and monitor the effective development and operation of risk management in the council, monitor progress in addressing risk-related issues reported to the committee, and review the assessment of fraud risks and potential harm to the council from fraud and corruption. The agenda also noted that the committee would consider and monitor the counter-fraud strategy, actions and resources. The agenda included the Risk Scoring Matrix and Risk Definitions.