NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Governance and Audit Committee

Date: November 26th 2021

Report of the Chief Executive

Matter for Information

Wards Affected: All Wards

Report Title: Independent, External Assurance Reports – Action plan to respond to the findings and recommendations - Update

Purpose of the Report:

To present a report detailing progress made in implementing the action plan that was developed in response to the findings and recommendations of the independent, external assurance work undertaken by Mr Rod Alcott and Mr Jack Straw.

Background:

The Council’s Audit Committee received a report from me on 15th March 2021 which advised that I had commissioned an external, independent review of governance arrangements subsequent to an edited audio recording of the former Leader of Council being released on social media platforms.

The Governance and Audit Committee received the report produced by the independent reviewers at the June 2021 meeting together with an action plan that I had developed to respond to the findings.

This report provides details of the progress made in implementing the action plan.

Financial Impacts:

There are no additional financial implications that arise from this report. Costs associated with the delivery of officer and member training have been met by the Welsh Local Government Association.

Integrated Impact Assessment:

There is no requirement to undertake an Integrated Impact Assessment as this report is for monitoring / information purposes.

Valleys Communities Impacts:

No implications.

Workforce Impacts:

Officer training has been completed.

Legal Impacts:

There was no specific legal requirement to undertake this review.

Risk Management Impacts:

The implementation of the actions set out in the action plan mitigate the reputational and governance risks referenced in earlier reports and as set out in the external independent review report.

Consultation:

There is no requirement for external consultation on this item

Recommendations:

That Members note the progress report attached at Appendix 1.

That Members note that the Internal Audit Service has made provision within the forward audit programme to periodically test how the changes described in the action plan are being implemented and to support the Governance and Audit Committee in monitoring the progress being made.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

To enable the Governance and Audit Committee to take assurance that the improvement actions set out in earlier reports have been progressed.

Implementation of Decision:

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call in period

Appendices:

Appendix 1 – Action Plan Progress Report

List of Background Papers:

Audit Committee – 15th March 2021

Audit Committee – 24th June 2021

Officer Contact:

Karen Jones, Chief Executive,

Tel: 01639 763284 or e-mail:chief.executive@npt.gov.uk

Appendix 1

Terms of Reference

External Independent Governance Review

Objective:

To provide the Chief Executive and the Council’s Governance and Audit Committee with an independent, external assurance in relation to:

The Council’s current systems and processes surrounding the development of school reorganisation proposals;

The Council’s current systems and processes in relation to the programming of highways works and capital investment projects; and

The appropriateness of the current Member-Officer Protocol contained within the Council’s Constitution.

A written report, setting out your findings and any recommendations you feel need to be considered, is required. You may feel it appropriate to issue an interim report.

The report will be shared with the Council’s Governance and Audit Committee and the Council’s external auditors.

The Council will make available any documentation, e mails or other information that is necessary for sufficient assurance to be taken and will also expect officers and councillors to co-operate with any reasonable request for interviews that will enable the commission to be carried out.

Timescale: This review will commence week commencing 8th March 2021

Rod Alcott is a former senior manager at the Wales Audit Office with extensive experience of undertaking governance audits. He is currently supporting a number of authorities across Wales with their preparations to meet new legislative self-assessment requirements.

Jack Straw is the former Chief Executive of the City and County of Swansea, he has held senior positions in Welsh Local Government and NHS Wales for over 25 years. Jack has recently chaired an Oversight Panel relating to the NHS in North Wales and the Powys County Council improvement board