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MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

AUDIT COMMITTEE

21 MARCH 2011

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF DEMOCRATIC SERVICES

Report prepared by Neil Harris 

1.           TRAINING FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE

1.1        Issue for Decision

1.1.1   To consider the appropriate level and type of training required to effectively undertake the role of Audit Committee member.

1.2        Recommendation of Head of Democratic Services

1.2.1   That the Committee determines the level and nature of training required to be a member, substitute member or independent member of the Audit Committee.

1.3        Reasons for Recommendation

1.3.1   The Committee consists of 5 council members and one non-voting independent member (this appointment process is currently underway). There is already in existence an element of qualification for this role that a council member must have served at least one term of office or be able to demonstrate relevant experience. Additionally the Council has agreed that the following rule regarding training must apply to the Audit Committee:-

“The Council has agreed that no member will be able to serve on the Committee without having agreed to undertake a minimum period of training on the policies and procedures of the Committee as specified by the Committee.  This training should be completed to an agreed level according to an agreed programme within an agreed time period set by the Committees for newly appointed members and substitute members of the Committee.  If the specified training has not been completed by the due date, the member will cease to be a member/substitute member of the Committee in question until the training has been completed.  The Head of Democratic Services will keep a record of the training requirements of each Committee and of members’ compliance with the requirements.  Existing members of the Committee should be updated regularly on changes of legislation and procedures and receive refresher training on an annual basis.”

1.3.2   This above rule agreed by Council applies to this Committee as well as Licensing and Planning. Firstly the Committee needs to determine the level of training required to be a member of this Committee. If any member does not complete the agreed level of training set by the Committee the member will cease to be part of this Committee.

1.3.3   The Committee must determine the minimum level of training required and how it would be applied in terms of being a full member, substitute member or independent member. 

1.4        Alternative Action and why not Recommended

1.4.1   The Committee has to set the levels of training required to meet its requirements under the Constitution but it is for the Committee to determine this level.

1.5        Impact on Corporate Objectives

1.5.1   None

1.6        Risk Management

1.6.1   The Committee must set the level of training required, ensuring it sets a level which is sufficient to ensure the Committee members have the necessary knowledge and understanding to meets its obligations as an Audit Committee.

1.7        Other Implications

1.7.1    

         Financial Implications

1.7.2                   The cost of training will be met from within existing resources.

Staffing Implications

1.7.3                   The staffing to assess and deliver the training and development requirements will be identified from within existing resources.

Legal Implications

1.7.4                   The Constitution requires the Audit Committee to set a minimum level of training.

1.8        Relevant Documents

1.8.1   Appendices  

1.8.2   None

1.8.3   Background Documents  

1.8.4   Maidstone Constitution.

IS THIS A KEY DECISION REPORT?   Yes                                               No     If yes, when did it first appear in the Forward Plan?   ..     This is a Key Decision because: ..   .       Wards/Parishes affected: ..   ..