The Audit and Standards Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to discuss a range of important governance, standards, and financial matters. Key topics include an update on the council's self-referral to the Social Housing Regulator, a deep dive into the strategic risks presented by Artificial Intelligence, and an annual review of member complaints and the code of conduct.

Update on Social Housing Regulator Referral

The committee is set to receive an update on the progress made following the council's self-referral in April 2025 to the Regulator of Social Housing. This referral was prompted by the identification of incorrect updates within the 'True Compliance' software, affecting up to 12,500 fire actions and leading to issues with data on asbestos management, water safety, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The council received a regulatory judgement of C3 (Serious failings have been identified, and significant improvements are needed) from the Regulator of Social Housing in May 2025. The report details the ongoing work to address these issues, including the appointment of health and safety advisors, an independent forensic audit by Caldiston Ltd, and the development of a robust action plan. The council has been working closely with the Regulator, who has expressed satisfaction with the pace of recovery. The report can be found here: Update on progress following Self Referral to Social Housing Regulator.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Deep Dive

A significant portion of the meeting will be dedicated to a deep dive into the strategic risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Brent Council. The report highlights that Brent is increasing its use of AI and automation to improve efficiency and modernise services. However, this expansion introduces strategic risks that require robust oversight and mitigation. The report outlines these risks, along with gaps identified in a recent internal audit conducted by PwC. It details the newly added AI Strategic Risk within the Council's Strategic Risk Register and summarises internal audit findings, governance improvements, and planned actions. Key risks include AI hallucinations, expanded cyber-attack vectors, and the potential for ethical lapses due to a lack of formal governance. The council is implementing a governance-first approach, with measures such as mandatory Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and AI Impact Assessments, alongside a structured nine-stage AI approval process. The report can be accessed here: Artificial Intelligence Deep Dive Report.

Member Complaints and Code of Conduct

The committee will review the annual report on Member Complaints and the Code of Conduct Complaints procedure. This report provides an overview of complaints received and determinations made regarding councillors allegedly in breach of the Members' Code of Conduct. According to the report, in the last 12 months, eight complaints were received, with determinations made regarding six councillors. The report details the two-stage assessment process for complaints and notes that the council has limited powers against a member found to have breached the code, with available sanctions including censuring, reprimanding, or requiring training. The report can be found here: Annual Members Complaints Code of Conduct Report.

Internal Audit Interim Report and Audit Progress

An addendum to the Internal Audit Interim Report for 2025-26 will be presented, providing an update on action owners, accepted recommendations, and implementation dates for audits. This report aims to offer greater clarity on the progress of agreed actions following feedback from the committee's previous meeting. The report also reinstates the 'Basis of Our Classifications' and 'Assurance Definitions' to aid in the interpretation of audit outcomes. The addendum can be viewed here: Internal Audit Interim Report 2025-26 - Addendum.

Additionally, the committee will receive an update on the progress in finalising the External Audit Findings Report and the Council's Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Work Programme and Forward Plan

The committee will consider the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee's work programme for 2025-26. This forward plan outlines the topics scheduled for discussion throughout the year, ensuring a structured approach to the committee's oversight responsibilities. The document is available here: 2025-26 ASAC Work Programme.

The meeting will also review the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 3 December 2025 and note the updated Action Log.