Agenda item - Strategic Risk Focus Report; SR10; SR18; SR32 and SR30

Report of the Executive Lead, Strategy, Governance & Law

That the Audit & Standards Committee:

1)             Note the SRR detailed within Table 1 of this report.

2)             Note Appendix 1 the CAMMS Strategic Risk report with details of the SRs and actions taken (‘Existing Controls’) and actions planned.

3)             Note Appendix 2 which provides:

i.               a guide on the risk management process;

ii.              guidance on how Members might want to ask questions of Risk Owners, or officers connected to the strategic risks; and

iii.             details of opportunities for Members, or any staff, to raise issues on Strategic Risks at various points and levels.  

39.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Lead Officer, Strategy, Governance & Law that provided detail on the actions taken and future actions to manage each strategic risk.

39.2      In response to questions from Helen Aston, the Risk Management Lead explained that Executive Director’s frequently spoke with Committee Chair’s and discussed the Risk Register once it had been reviewed by ELT. The Risk Management Lead stated that she was not aware of any other local authority where the Risk Register was received by the relevant policy committee. In relation to the requested for a deep dive for SR2, the Risk Management Lead stated this could be undertaken with the relevant committee chair however, as this committee had only recently reviewed SR2, that would be a separate deep dive.

39.3      The Chief Executive stated the Risk Register was regularly discussed with committee chair’s at executive level and all Members were briefed on key issues and changing circumstances. Further, performance reports were regularly reported to Policy & Resources Committee..

SR30Not fulfilling the expectations of residents, businesses, government, and the wider community that Brighton & Hove City Council will lead the city well and be stronger in an uncertain environment

39.4      In response to a question from Councillor Bagaeen, the Chief Executive explained that investment in information technology was of high priority in order to respond to the demand of residents who increasingly wished to access more services digitally.

39.5      Councillor West observed that he was listed as a co-Chair in the document which was no longer the case. It was agreed to correct the document correct this error.

39.6      In response to a question to Councillor West, the Chief Executive stated that it was the prerogative of the Chair as to which items were listed on committee agendas for decision. From an officer operational perspective, the input of the whole committee was welcomed as this fostered different perspective and challenges.

39.7      In response to questions from Councillor Littman, the Chief Executive explained that various cybersecurity policies had been introduced as a response to increased remote working during the pandemic and this reaction had shown that the council had robust information security policies and procedures and a good foundation in terms of access to work devices.

SR10Corporate information assets are inadequately controlled and vulnerable to cyber-attack

39.8      In response to questions and comments from Councillor Littman and Councillor West, the Chief Executive explained that some services and council officers received hostile calls when working from home and this could be particularly distressing for those staff with children sharing the home environment. Therefore, some staff had been given opportunity to work in the office as a means of providing a safer and more supportive working environment. The Head of Human Resources supplemented that additional procedures had been put into place to mitigate the risk of isolation some staff may encounter from remote working.

39.9      Councillor Hugh-Jones observed that some of the risk actions in report were marked by heavy use of jargon that may make it difficult for members of the public to understand. It was agreed to amend future versions of the report to address this.

SR18 The organisation is unable to deliver its functions in a modern, efficient way due to the lack of appropriate technology

39.10   In response to a question from Councillor Bagaeen, the Executive Lead Officer, Strategy, Governance & Law explained that officers had met with the webcasting provider following the recent, significant issues and had provided assurances that their operational systems would be checked and greater resilience would be built into those systems. Furthermore, dedicated support would be provided, and officers would keep performance under review.

SR32Challenges to ensure health & safety measures lead to personal injury, prosecution, financial losses and reputational damage

39.11   In response to questions from Councillor Hugh-Jones, it was explained that potential issues with fire doors at Essex Place could be investigated and that there were comprehensive risk assessment and specialist help relating to the housing repairs service now being in-house.

39.12   RESOLVED- That the Audit & Standards Committee:

1)             Note the SRR detailed within Table 1 of this report.

2)             Note Appendix 1 the CAMMS Strategic Risk report with details of the SRs and actions taken (‘Existing Controls’) and actions planned.

3)             Note Appendix 2 which provides:

i.               a guide on the risk management process;

ii.              guidance on how Members might want to ask questions of Risk Owners, or officers connected to the strategic risks; and

iii.             details of opportunities for Members, or any staff, to raise issues on Strategic Risks at various points and levels.