Agenda item

Risk Register 2011/12 – Update

The Head of Finance (Financial Services) referred to the report within the agenda papers and reminded Members that there were two risk registers, a Strategic Risk Register and an Operation Risk Register, both subject to 6 monthly review by the Joint Committee.  Members were reassured that the Superintendent and Registrar together with Crematorium staff had a very good understanding of risk and many of the issues relating to service/strategic risk had been mitigated as a result of actions or were at “a tolerable level” and could be closed.  The Head of Finance (Financial Services) added that as regards operation risks, again those identified were deemed to be at a tolerable level.  The Joint Committee noted that an emerging risk was the implications of the Health and Social Care Bill, relating to the Death Registration.

Councillor A Hopgood asked whether there was further information in relation to the impact of Job Evaluation/Single Status as set out as a risk within the report.  The Treasurer to the Joint Committee and Corporate Director, Resources, Don McLure noted that the 26 October 2011 meeting of Durham County Council’s full Council would receive a report relating to Single Status to seek approval to consult with Trade Unions in November in order to move forward in 2012.  Members noted that Durham County Council staff would be regularly updated by the Council’s Communications Team as regards this matter.

Resolved:

(i)         That the Joint Committee note the content of the report and the             updated position following the January review.

(ii)        That the Risk Registers are kept up to date and continue to be reviewed by the Joint Committee on a half yearly basis.