Corporate governance committee work programme and equality objective

Report: 13
Date: 12 June 2008
By: the Chief Executive

Summary

This report outlines a workplan by which the committee will fulfil its role as agreed in its terms of reference (see appendix 1), suggests an amendment to its terms of reference and an equality objective for the committee.

A. Recommendation

That

1. the Corporate Governance Committee agrees the proposed work programme;

2. agree the amendment to the terms of reference; and

3. agrees the equality objective for the Committee.

B. Supporting information

Terms of reference

1. The Corporate Governance Committee terms of reference are set out at Appendix 1. On the basis of these terms of reference, a proposed work programme has been drafted for the next twelve months and this is set out at Appendix 2.

2. In relation to health and safety, the terms of reference may need to include more specific reference to the assurance process and estates issues under the health and safety section. It is suggested this section say:

To agree the MPS priorities for health and safety in its strategy.

To oversee the MPS’s occupational health strategies and their relationship with health and safety issues.

To satisfy itself, on behalf of the MPA, that the MPS discharges its legal duties in relation to health and safety matters with particular regard to the safety, health and welfare of police officers and police staff, people in the care and custody of the MPS, and all members of the public on police premises or property.

To satisfy itself, on behalf of the MPA, that the MPS and MPA has in place appropriate health and safety policies, organisational and management systems, arrangements, performance monitoring, audit and review systems and procedures to meet the Authority’s expectations, the legal requirements and to assess and control risks (reworded)

To satisfy itself that the MPS has effective procedures for property maintenance and for the reporting of property defects, for risk assessing and categorising reported defects as to urgency, for identifying works needed to maintain safe buildings and plant or remedy reported safety defects, for allocating resources to address needs, for securing that work is carried out in accordance with priorities or that other sufficient measures are taken (new paragraph)

To review, and exceptionally to request, the carrying out of audits and reviews of health and safety management systems, policies, arrangements and procedures, as necessary, and to review progress with the implementation of recommendations arising from such audits.

To provide a conduit for the expression of health and safety concerns.

To implement, as part of the safety management system, an annual assurance process, under which Management Board members will provide an assurance letter to the Commissioner who will present an overarching assurance letter to the full Authority each year. A similar assurance letter to be submitted by the Chief Executive in relation to the direct operations of the MPA organisation. (reworded)

Summary of work programme

3. Below can be found a table outlining a proposed work plan for the Corporate Governance Committee:

Table 1: Corporate Governance Committee - proposed workplan 2008/09

Equality Objective for the Committee

17 The objective for the Corporate Governance Committee, agreed on 7 December 2007 was:
Reports provided to Corporate Governance Committee, which include data on staff/officers of the Service or Londoners as a whole, provide a breakdown of all relevant equalities information

18. It is suggested that this objective be retained.

C. Race and equality impact

There are no direct equality and diversity implications arising from this report, other than that outlined above.

D. Financial implications

There are no direct financial implications arising from this report.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: Ken Hunt, Treasurer, MPA

For information contact:

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

Appendix 1

Corporate Governance Committee - Terms of Reference

Audit

1. To advise the Authority on the appropriate arrangements for internal audit and the appointment of external auditors.

2. To approve internal and external audit programmes and fees

3. To review the external auditor’s management letter and any other reports and to report on these to the Authority as appropriate.

4. To oversee the provision of an adequate and effective internal audit; to receive progress reports on the internal audit work plan and to consider appropriate action arising from these.

5. To satisfy itself generally as to the effectiveness of the control systems in operation.

6. To review the Authority’s annual accounts and to make recommendations as appropriate to the Authority.

Health and Safety

1. To agree the MPS priorities for health and safety in its strategy.

2. To satisfy itself, on behalf of the MPA, that the MPS discharges its legal duties in relation to health and safety matters with particular regard to the safety, health and welfare of police officers and police staff, people in the care and custody of the MPS, and all members of the public on police premises or property.

3. To satisfy itself, on behalf of the MPA, that the MPS has in place appropriate health and safety, management systems, arrangements and procedures both to meet legal requirements and to assess and control risks.

4. To review, and exceptionally to request, the carrying out of audits and reviews of health and safety management systems, policies, arrangements and procedures, as necessary, and to review progress with the implementation of recommendations arising from such audits.

5. To provide a conduit for the expression of health and safety concerns.

6. To report annually to the full Authority on performance and compliance in relation to the above.

Risk Management

1. To consider the financial risks to which the Authority is exposed and to approve measures to reduce or eliminate them or to insure against them.

2. To consider proposed corporate programmes of risk management activity and receive reports monitoring progress.

3. To consider and approve an annual statement of internal control and risk management for publication with the Authority’s annual accounts.

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