Agenda item

Risk Register, 2009/10.

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support explained that following an audit at Mounsett Crematorium issues had been raised as regards risk registers.  Members learnt that whilst the Superintendent and Registrar did have risk management procedures in place for Durham Crematorium, the Head of Finance, HR and Business Support had sort to codify these into a formal Risk Register in order to help satisfy Audit Commission requirements. 

The Joint Committee were informed that the preparation of the Risk Register was in line with Durham County Council risk management procedures; identifying risks, noting the gross outcome of such risks, understanding what procedures were currently in place to deal with the risks, establishing the level of the risk, deciding on whether action was required and then carrying out such actions.

Members’ attention was drawn to a matrix containing the level and likelihood of risks and to a list setting out the 20 primary risks and methods of mitigation.  The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support explained that there would be quarterly reviews of the risk register with the Superintendent and Registrar with reports back to the Joint Committee every 6 months highlighting any changes, additions, mitigation and progress in relation to actions taken to mitigate risks.  Members were told that the initial exercise had allowed a baseline to be established by which future performance would be assessed, helping to further satisfy criteria set by the Audit Commission relating to governance.  

Members asked whether the baseline position within the risk register had been moderated in order to provide challenge to the Superintendent and Registrar.  The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support confirmed that indeed the risk register had been moderated by an Officer within his Business Support section and that the risk register as presented to Members was a fair and accurate reflection.

Resolved:

(a)       That Members of the Joint Committee note the contents of this report and the updated position.

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

(c)        That an Annual Report on the approach to risk management be prepared in April / May to inform the Annual Governance Statement.