Corporate Governance Committee review of effectiveness

Report: 4
Date: 10 December 2009
By: Chief Executive

Summary

A report on the effectiveness of the MPA Corporate Governance Committee is attached at Appendix 1. The report concludes that the Committee is dealing with its key areas of business in accordance with its terms of reference and CIPFA guidance. A number of opportunities for change to increase the effectiveness of the Committee are presented for consideration.

A. Recommendation

That members receive the report and agree the opportunities for change.

B. Supporting information

Background

1. A review of Committee effectiveness should be carried out every three years to take account of changes of Members, officers and the external environment. Linda Duncan, co-opted member of the Corporate Governance Committee, was asked on behalf of the Committee to conduct the review against established CIPFA best practice.

Summary of report findings and conclusions

2. The report concludes that the Committee is dealing with the key areas expected of it and in compliance with its terms of reference and CIPFA guidance.

3. There are a number of suggestions made to enable the Committee to move towards a more tactical monitoring of emerging issues, and risk and control ‘hotspots’. This committee could be made more effective by:

• Gaining a clearer picture or ‘map’ of the inherent risks across the organisation and highlighting where assurance work and audits are taking place to manage those risks and to ensure compliance with controls.
• Being briefed on emerging risks and in particular, strategic and financial risks on a quarterly basis, along with the impact of these on the future audit and assurance plans.
• Gaining an oversight of work carried out by the large number of internal assurance functions operating within the MPS.
• Encouraging shorter, clearer reports to be presented to committee and ensuring papers are issued to Members within the timelines set out by the committee protocol.

C. Race and equality impact

There are no immediate implications on equality and diversity arising from this report.

D. Financial implications

There are no direct financial implications from this report, however, an increased awareness of emerging financial risks will improve oversight in this area and reduce the risk of potential loss.

E. Legal implications

None given.

F. Background papers

None

G. Contact details

Report author: Catherine Crawford, MPA Chief Executive.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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