Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the risk management process and the Strategic Risk Register.

The report of the Management Team provided an update on the risk management process and the Strategic Risk Register (SRR).  There were 6 risks categorised as ‘red’ as summarised below:

·        Financial position/budget deficit

·        Economic Uncertainty and Impact of EU Transition (severely impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic, inflation and the conflict in Ukraine)

·        Corporate Strategy and Savings and Transformation Strategy

·        Waste Services

·        Local Plan

·        Organisational Development including recruitment and retention/skills mix

A schedule of ongoing risks and risks identified by Service Management Teams and Management Team since the last report to this Committee in January 2022 were set out in Annex 2 of the report.

Subsequently a further risk had been identified as ‘red’ in respect of the introduction of voter identification at the next election. Whilst detail and guidance from Government around these new regulations was awaited it was difficult to plan and prepare for the local elections in May 2023.  There was also the potential for increased costs and training for staff.  It was indicated that Returning Officers and Election Managers were actively seeking assurance from Government that the guidance would be received in sufficient time to prepare for local elections.

Reference was made to the risk associated with the Waste Services Contract and Members were reminded that the current waste contract ran until 2027/28.  Sufficient time would be given to considering options around tendering at the appropriate time.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the updates to the Strategic Risk Register since the last iteration, with particular emphasis on those risks categorised as ‘red’, be noted; and

(2)             the inclusion of the ‘introduction of voter identification for the next election’ as a‘red’ risk be noted.