Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority's Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee with an overview of the findings of a recent survey conducted with Board Members and stakeholders, seeking their feedback on the overall effectiveness of the committee. The report is for Members consideration and seeks to inform overall evaluation of the committee’s effectiveness during 2024/25, and subsequent assurance reporting as part of the annual report and accounting process.
To access the full document please open the PDF document above.
To view as accessible content please use the sections below. (Note that tables and some appendixes are not available as accessible content).
Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee - 6 February 2025
Date : 06 February 2025
Location : online
Member Survey Findings
The responses to questions in the survey used the scale set out below. The analytical tables show how many Members gave a particular response to each question.
TABLE
Reporting to committee - There is clear agreement among Members that the quality of committee papers is good and continues to improve.
There was a common view among Members that there could be a greater focus in papers on equality, human rights and/or community impacts. Some Members also mentioned that the number of papers coming to the Audit and Risk Committee, some of which are submitted late, presents a challenge.
Additionally some Members considered that as non-executives they need more detail on how risks out with appetite or tolerance are being managed at executive level, including timescales, to move such risks to a level where they are within executive appetite.
TABLE
Priorities and progress - There is clear agreement among Members that the work of the Committee has a strong strategic focus and is effectively tracking and following up on actions and their impact. One Member commented that too many actions arising from audits are not delivered on time.
TABLE
Members and overall operation - All Members agreed that they are confident, agree positions, provide genuine challenge, seek assurances, and have the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience.
TABLE
Governance Support and Remit - Members all agree that the Committee receives appropriate advice on taking certain agenda items in private, that minutes of meetings are of a high standard, and that the Committee’s remit is fit for purpose.
TABLE
Terms of Reference - All four Members indicated that the Committee is fully discharging its responsibilities in line with its terms of reference.
Overall, the results for the Audit and Risk Committee are extremely positive, with very few areas of concern being raised, or areas for improvement identified.
Three areas are suggested for potential improvement:
• Committee papers to take greater account of implications and impact regarding equalities, human rights and/or community wellbeing; and
• More detail to be provided on the management actions and timescales to move some risks to within executive-level risk appetite
• The volume of papers and the occurrence of late submission causes difficulties.
