The Governance Committee of North Devon Council was scheduled to convene on 22 September 2025, to discuss a range of topics including dispensations for councillors, internal and external audits, and updates to the council's constitution and key policies. The committee was also expected to review the corporate risk register and a half-yearly report from the Chair of the Governance Committee.

Dual-Hatted County Councillors and Local Government Reorganisation

The committee was scheduled to consider granting standing dispensations to Councillors Caroline Leaver, Bell, Biederman, Jusef, and Wilson, and Councillor Peter Lever, to allow them to participate in discussions and votes related to local government reorganisation, despite potential conflicts of interest. The report pack stated that Councillor Leaver, Bell, Biederman, and Wilson hold an Other Registrable Interest as County Councillors, and Councillor Lever has a Non Registrable Interest as the spouse of a County Councillor. The Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, Simon Fuller, recommended that the dispensations should expire either upon a ministerial decision regarding a proposal including the District of North Devon, or after four years, whichever occurred first. The report pack noted that a similar dispensation had been granted at the 27 August 2025 meeting.

Internal Audit Update

The Devon Assurance Partnership ¹ was expected to present an update on the internal audit plan for the 2025/26 financial year. The report included a summary of audit reports and findings, as well as an assessment of performance against professional standards. The report pack stated that as of 1 September 2025, four reports had been issued, covering Grounds Maintenance, Corporate Health & Safety, Procurement, and Security. The report pack stated that the Head of Internal Audit was unable to provide an opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the authority's internal control framework at this stage of the year.

External Audit Progress

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from the External Auditor on the progress of the external audit and sector developments.

LGA Governance Review

The committee was scheduled to discuss updates to the council's constitution, following a governance review by the Local Government Association (LGA). The review focused on the effectiveness of the Policy Development Committee, the potential for more formal scrutiny arrangements, and overall governance effectiveness.

The Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, Simon Fuller, recommended that the Full Council update Part 2 and Annexe 1 to Part 3 of the constitution, to reflect changes to the Policy Development Committee, and officer delegated powers. The report pack stated that the name of the Policy Development Committee had been updated to the Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee. The report pack also stated that members of the Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee cannot sit on the Strategy and Resources Committee.

Review of RIPA Policy

The committee was scheduled to review the council's procedure for ensuring compliance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000(RIPA). The Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, Simon Fuller, recommended that the existing procedures, with updated job titles for Jon Triggs and Nina Lake, be maintained. The report pack stated that the council had not used its covert surveillance powers since 2014, providing an annual nil return to the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office (IPCO). The report pack also stated that online training of authorised officers had been delivered, and more in-depth training on RIPA was being arranged.

Anti-Money Laundering Policy

The committee was scheduled to consider the adoption of a revised Anti-Money Laundering Policy. The Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive, Jon Triggs, recommended that the updated policy, which included tracked changes, be adopted by the Full Council. The report pack stated that the policy was last reviewed in 2021, and that a recent review had been carried out by the Devon Assurance Partnership.

Whistleblowing Policy

The committee was scheduled to consider the adoption of a revised Whistleblowing Policy. The Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive, Jon Triggs, recommended that the updated policy, which included tracked changes, be adopted by the Full Council. The report pack stated that the policy was last reviewed in 2021, and that a recent review had been carried out by the Devon Assurance Partnership.

Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy and Counter Fraud Strategy and Response Plan

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy, and the Counter Fraud Strategy and Response Plan. The Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive, Jon Triggs, recommended that the updated policy and strategy, which included tracked changes, be adopted by the Full Council. The report pack stated that the policy and strategy were last reviewed in 2021, and that a recent review had been carried out by the Devon Assurance Partnership. The report pack stated that the Council has a zero tolerance approach to fraud, bribery and corruption.

Update Report on Fraud Investigations

The Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, Simon Fuller, was scheduled to provide an update on fraud investigations. The report pack stated that there were no updates to be made and there were no incidents to report.

Audit Recommendation Tracker

The Chief Executive was scheduled to present a progress report on actions taken to address internal and external audit recommendations. The report pack stated that the number of live audit recommendation actions on the Pentana system was now 47.

Half Yearly Report from the Chair of Governance

The committee was scheduled to receive a half yearly report from the Chair of Governance Committee.

Corporate Risk Register

The Head of Governance, Adam Tape, was scheduled to present the current corporate risks from the August 2025 Corporate Risk Register. The report pack stated that the risks reported to the Governance Committee are those corporate risks above the risk toleration line, with a risk score above 6. The report pack listed the risks as:

• Failure to produce a robust budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan
• Defined and costed programme not in place to meet net zero carbon targets
• Service disruption from a business continuity incident
• Failure to respond effectively to a major incident
• Cyber and/or data security breach
• Unable to meet the temporary accommodation need / increased homelessness
• Inability to recruit and retain sufficient workforce with appropriate skills and experience
• Failure of key supply chain partner / Third party risks