Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the Strategic Risk Register, be reviewed and noted as part of the 6 monthly review process.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Yes

PORTFOLIO:

Leader’s

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

In the Leader’s absence, Cllr Edward Heron, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness Services introduced the report.  This was a six month review following the approval of the Strategic Risk Register (SRR) in September 2022.  He reported that the 7 Strategic Risks previously identified remained unchanged but that the SRR had been updated with the details of the actions carried out over the last six months.  It was important that the Council continue to identify and mitigate against the strategic risks.

The Insurance and Risk Officer highlighted that it was not feasible for the Council to eliminate all risks through risk management but to comprehend and to mitigate against them to an acceptable level.   The strategic cross cutting risks identified in the Strategic Risk Register demonstrate the strides the Council had taken to in this regard acknowledging that some risks could not be reduced to a green level.

The Executive Management Team and the Audit Committee would continue to monitor and review the risks and Cabinet would receive regular updates.  The Strategic Risk Register would continue exist as a separate document and the next update would assess the updates and reset the actions as required.

A Member of the Council whilst supporting the updated SRR, highlighted a concern about the second Strategic Risk, risk control J regarding working with Towns and Parishes to maximise opportunities for joint working.  He felt there should be a specific action to ensure there was a mechanism for achieving this, particularly with changes in personnel.  In response, the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness Services acknowledged that officers could consider this for the future version of the Register, however, it was recognised that collective active working was carried out with organisations such as the New Forest Association of Local Councils.