Audit & Standards Committee

Members are reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter, in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

Members are asked to receive any questions, statements or petitions, of which notice has been received, from members of the public.

The Committee is asked to receive any questions, of which appropriate notice has been received, from Members.

The Committee is asked to receive any questions, of which appropriate notice has been received, from Members.

Members are asked to agree the minutes, attached marked 5, of the Audit and Standards Committee meeting, held on 15 July  2026, and that they be signed by the Chair as a correct record

Members are asked to note the minutes of the Pension Board meeting, held on 4 August 2026, which are attached marked 6.

The purpose of this report, attached marked 7, is to provide the Committee with the annual internal audit opinion on the organisation’s framework of internal control, risk management and governance.

This paper from Grant Thornton UK LLP, attached marked 8, provides the Audit and Standards Committee with a report on progress in delivering their responsibilities as the Service’s external auditors. The report also includes a series of sector updates in respect of emerging issues which the Committee may wish to consider.

This report, attached marked 9, provides an update on the current position of the Corporate Risk Register and gives assurance that identified corporate risks are being actively managed. The report also presents a draft revised Corporate Risk Management Policy for the Committee’s consideration. The proposed changes respond to many of the recommendations arising from the Internal Audit review of the Service’s risk management approach and are intended to strengthen governance, assurance and oversight.

This report, attached marked 10, requests the Committee to recommend that the Fire Authority approve the Reporting of Illegality and Malpractice (Whistleblowing) Policy, attached as the appendix to the report, following the annual review conducted by officers.

A verbal update on the review of the Protocol on Member / Officer Relations will be given to the meeting.

This report, attached marked 12, requests the Committee to approve the Protocol on Gifts and Hospitality, following the annual review conducted by officers.

A verbal update on the Ethical Framework Review will be given to the meeting.