The Audit and Governance Committee provides independent member oversight of Alderstead Council's governance, risk, audit and financial-control arrangements. Its purpose is to give assurance that the council has effective systems for managing public resources and identifying significant risks.

Governance and internal control

The committee considers the council's governance framework, risk-management arrangements and systems of internal control. It can examine whether weaknesses have been identified, whether agreed actions are being implemented and whether senior officers have provided sufficient assurance about the operation of the council.

Audit

Internal and external audit provide professional assurance about financial systems, governance and other areas within their remit. The committee considers audit findings and the council's response. It does not carry out the auditor's work itself and does not replace the responsibilities of managers or the Chief Finance Officer.

Committee records

Agendas, reports, minutes and recommendations are published through Meetings and decisions. Where a report identifies an improvement action, responsibility for carrying it out remains with the relevant service or officer and progress can be reported back through the appropriate governance route.