Agenda item

That the content of this Cabinet report be noted.

Decision

That the content of this Cabinet report be noted.

Reason for Decision

To provide the Quarter 1 update on the Strategic Risk Register.

Financial

None identified

Value for Money

Risk management is closely linked to the Council’s commitment to ensure that all resources are used efficiently and forms part of effective financial planning. The Council also needs to ensure that adequate provisions are in place to address anticipated risks but that these are no greater than necessary so that maximum resources are applied to services as required.  To this end the Council sets minimum target working balances for both the general fund and HRA and at the date of this report this minimum balances are secured. Budget exercises for 2016/17 have ensured that the minimum balance requirements will also be met for the next financial year.

Risk Implications

Effective risk management is an important factor in all policymaking, planning and decision making.

Failure to manage risk effectively could have serious consequences for the Council leading to increased costs, wasted resources, prosecution and criticism under external assessments

Health & Safety Implications

Not applicable

Corporate Objectives

Dacorum Delivers – Risk management is an essential part of ensuring that the Council meets all of its objectives.

Monitoring Officer/S.151 Officer Comments

Monitoring Officer:  

An effective risk management strategy is essential for the good governance of the Council and therefore this report and the annexed Strategic Risk Register is appropriate for Cabinet consideration.

Deputy S.151 Officer                                                                                                        

This is a section 151 Officer report.

Advice

Councillor Elliot introduced the report and noted that the names of the Portfolio Holders needed to be included.

J Deane would ensure this was done.

Councillor Marshall asked if it was flagged up when a service had a high resignation rate.

J Deane explained that any service with a high turnover of staff would be looked into, as well as any recruitment issues.

M Gaynor added that the council were looking into ways to mitigate these issues for example a Hertfordshire wide support mechanism.

S Marshall explained that there were similar recruitment and retention issues across the county. They were looking into ways to mitigate this and how staff can be shared and utilised in a more efficient way. She noted the high competition now with the private sector, in particularly in areas such as Building Control. She added that the People Strategy currently being developed would look at staff terms and conditions which can be advertised to show potential candidates the added benefits of working for the council.

It was a big fear for the council and one which we would work towards ensuring we recruit and retain good quality staff in all key areas in the future.

J Deane added that they were struggling to recruit Benefits Officers recently, however now they can offer home working and flexible working the team’s performance and quality is evident.

M Gaynor concluded to note that this concern was on the agenda of the management team and all were aware of the issue.

Voting

None.