Agenda item

(To receive a report by Debbie Bowring (Principal Risk Officer), which invites the Committee to note the current status of the strategic risks facing the Council)

Consideration was given to a report by Debbie Bowring (Principal Risk Officer), which invited the Committee to note the current status of the strategic risks facing the Council and make recommendations on any further scrutiny required.

The Committee was advised that in accordance with the risk management strategy and to ensure effective monitoring, all the strategic risks had been reviewed with risk owners and assurances had been obtained that the strategic risks were being managed effectively.  All directorates had reviewed and reported on the operational risks they were facing.

The Risk Management Progress Report was detailed at Appendix A to the report, which provided updates on key messages received since the last update to the Committee in January 2019.

It was advised that the current Strategic Risk Register contained ten risks, and a summary of those risks had been detailed on page 43 of the Agenda Pack by way of a chart.  The chart detailed the likelihood and impact of the risk occurring and also its target score, which were coloured in blue.  The direction of travel was shown by way of an arrow. 

In response to a question, it was advised that the direction of travel for each risk was also detailed on the full Strategic Risk Register, which was detailed on pages 51 – 54.  It was requested that the narrative included information on the past, present and the target for each risk. 

During discussion, the following reports were noted:

·       The Committee welcomed the new format of the report.

·       The Risk on Market Supply – Adult Care was highlighted as an area of concern by the Committee, as there was a perception that EU nationals were returning to their countries of origin, which would impact on services provided by Adult Care.  In response, it was advised that the level of assurance over this risk had remained at limited, as there was uncertainty around the outcome of Brexit, which could have a further effect on this risk.  The impact of the backlog in financial assessments on this risk was also raised.  It was suggested that the Executive Director – Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, as risk owner, be invited to the meeting of the Committee on 18 November 2019 to help clarify the management of the risk and impact of the financial assessment backlog. 

·       It was requested that the section on Brexit, as detailed on page 42 of the Agenda Pack, be expanded to include more information on the work that was being undertaken.  For example, the Council's involvement in the Resilience Forum.

The Committee was assured that the Council's strategic risks continued to be managed pro-actively.  There was a good level of awareness of the current and emerging risks, with positive action being taken where appropriate.

RESOLVED

(1)  That the current status of the strategic risks facing the Council be noted.

(2)  That the Executive Director – Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, as risk owner, be invited to a future meeting of the Committee to provide assurance on Market Supply – Adult Care.