Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance that required the Committee to undertake a quarterly review of the Corporate Risk Register as assurance that the corporate risks were being managed effectively.  Appendix 1was attached to the report for this purpose.

The Chairman introduced the report and deferred to the Programmes, Performance and Governance Manager to take the Committee through the report.

The Manager advised that the report dealt with Quarter 1 Risk (covering April-June 2020). In summary for changes since Quarter Four (Q4) there were two risks that had seen a decrease in score: R17- Failure to maximise services through promotion and engagement and R29- Failure to deliver services as a result of COVID- which was added as the pandemic hit, but by June 2020 the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) had a better view on service impact.

There were two risks recommended for closure, namely, R22- Contract Management as the monitoring steps were now in place and R17 - Promotion and engagement as this was now in place.  She then drew Members’ attention to paragraph 3.2.2 where three risks had seen an increase in score,  R7- 5 year housing land supply, R8- meeting affordable housing need and R10 – Creating jobs to support the growing population. The increases were due to the wider impacts of the current pandemic.

In response to questions raised Officers responded as follows:-

·       That R14-Recruitment and Retention reported the same score as in the previous quarter report.  This was because it related to a specific skillset, that of planning officers.  The Council was experiencing continuing difficulties in recruiting to this area.

·       That details of turnover and recruitment (R14) in specialist areas would be provided to the Committee outside of the meeting to determine if the Council was carrying gaps in these areas. Subsequent to the meeting a recruitment update was circulated to all committee members on 29 September 2020.

·       In  respect of R8- Failure to meet the affordable housing need- that at the time of writing the report the refusal of the strategic site stood as this report covered matters up to the end of June 2020.  The site had subsequently been approved in August 2020 and the impact on the risk level would be reflected in the next iteration of the Risk report.

·       That in respect of R10 - Officers were focussing on how to maximise promotional opportunities arising from the pandemic which would be reflected in the COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Plan.

Councillor Durham informed the Committee that in his county council role he was Chairman of Visit Essex and about to embark on a series of activities promoting the Essex Coast and Maldon would feature prominently in that promotion.  The Chairman welcomed this opportunity for Maldon.

There being no further questions the Chairman moved the recommendations in the report and they were seconded by Councillor Durham. She then put the recommendations to the Committee and they were agreed by assent.

resolved

(i)           That Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1214