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.

The Committee is 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.

Members are asked to agree the minutes, attached marked 5, of the Audit and Standards Committee meeting, held on 22 April 2026, and that they be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Members are asked to consider and agree what training they wish to receive in order to fulfil their role on the Committee effectively.

This report, attached marked 7, presents the draft Annual Review (also known as the Annual Statement of Assurance) for 2025/26 and gives the Committee an opportunity to make comment on the draft, prior to its going forward to the full Fire Authority for consideration and approval.

This report, attached marked 8, sets out the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) improvement plan forward approach.

This report, attached marked 9, sets out the Fire Authority’s draft Statement of Accounts for financial year 2025/26, which includes the Annual Governance Statement (AGS).

The purpose of this report, attached marked 10, is to provide the Committee with the annual internal audit opinion on the organisation’s framework of internal control, risk management and governance.

This report, attached marked 11, 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 Police 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.

Whilst not a legal requirement, it is good practice for Members to receive regular updates on Code of Conduct complaints, even if there has been none. Officers are pleased to report that, during the period 2025/26, the Fire Authority has received no complaints that any of its members has breached its Code of Conduct.

Members are asked to note the minutes of the Pension Board meeting, held on 27 April 2026, which are attached marked 13.

This paper, attached marked 14, provides the Audit & Standards Committee with a report on our progress in delivering External Auditor responsibilities. The paper also includes a series of sector updates in respect of emerging issues which the Committee may wish to consider.