Agenda item

Simon Dennis, Corporate Improvement and Risk Manager, submitted the Risk Management Annual Summary 2024-25 and Corporate Strategic Risk Register update.

The report summarised the principal risk management activity that had been carried out in the Council throughout the past financial year.  It also summarised the key movements in strategic risks that had occurred over the period and updated the Committee on the current risks on the Corporate Strategic Risk Register (CSRR).

The heat map derived from the Corporate Strategic Risk Register update at the end of 2024/25 showed the risk profile.  The total number of strategic risks had increased to 14 from 13 over the period April 2024 to March 2025 with one risk removed.  Of the risks that remained on the strategic register, 4 had increasing risk scores, one saw an increase in its risk score and 9 remained constant.

This year’s position showed a slight increase in risk profile throughout the year for the first time in 3 years.

The current heat map as at 3^rd June, 2025, showed no risks had been removed and one risk had been added.  Compared to the risks reported in January 2025’s CSSR, one risk had been removed from the risk register (SLT38 closure of the Public Service Telephone Network) and one risk had been added (SLT41 risks associated with the reduction in funding of the Integrated Care Board). 

The long term pattern of assessed risk level had slightly increased over the last 2 years reflecting the continued increasing grasp on the key risks that needed to be managed at a strategic level and the improved risk position following the end of the Covid pandemic.  Since December 2023, just over 20% of risks monitored at a strategic level had reduced in assessed level, 46% had remained stable and 33% had either increased or were new to the register.

The rollout of the online training was the final element in the refresh of the Council’s training provision together with the recent introduction of a face-to-face option for the M2 manager course.  The impact of both options would need to be evaluated over the next 12 months.

Discussion ensued with the following issues raised/clarified:-

·        81 managers had attended the M2 manager course since July 2024.  Overall 360 managers had completed the training since its relaunch in January 2022 with the remaining 4 courses scheduled for 2025 close to full capacity

·        The online risk management training course for all staff had seen increasing take-up since its relaunch in 2023.  The short e-learning tool was required to be completed by all staff within 3 months of joining the Council.  Staff were also expected to complete a refresh once every 3 years.  As at the end of July 2025 84% of staff had completed the course

·        SLT38 (Business Continuity – Closure of the PTSN Network) – had been removed from the Corporate Strategic Risk Register at the last review, however, it remained on the Finance and Corporate Services Risk Register

·        SLT27 (Health and Safety and operational risks from property) – Property Services had moved to the Finance and Customer Services Directorate.  A full overview of the Service had identified a number of complex issues which had been reflected accordingly on the Risk Register.  The input of targeted resources had seen a much improved position resulting in the reduced risk level

·        Elected Member training last took place in 2022.  It was included on the Member Development schedule

Resolved:-  That the annual summary of risk management activity and updates to the Corporate Strategic Risk Register be noted.

(Appendix 1 was exempt under Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A))