After some gentle persuasion, I'm back representing Stroud District Council on the Gloucestershire Police & Crime Panel. It can be a tad stressful at times, but I believe the work is necessary for our wonderfully diverse community. So, some informal notes and personal comment from yesterday's meeting.
I represent Stroud District Council on the Gloucestershire Police & Crime Panel. Today the Panel supported my Green recommendation which will now accompany the Constabulary's budget:-
Internal audits are evaluations conducted to assess internal controls, risk management, and operational efficiency and should be aimed at improving processes. I was more than a little concerned about a comment in backing papers. An unhappy auditor makes for a concerned councillor. :(
Representing Stroud District Council on the Gloucestershire Police & Crime Panel also intersects with my volunteer work with Stroud Against Racism.
An excellent discussion at Stroud District Council this evening. As a Green there is no party line, so we are free to contribute in the best interests of the residents and business who we represent.
A meeting summary and some personal notes authored by Cllr. Gareth Kitchen, SDC.
I asked about the IAG (Independent Advisory Group) and how representative it is of our diverse communities. The CLP (Community Legitimacy Panel) wasn't consulted by Gold Group although the IAG was. The CEO conceded that diversity is an issue on the IAG and needs to improve. The Constabulary is already 'holding a review' of IAG and CLP. OPCC (PCCGB?) received a paper a couple of months ago (July 2024?) from the constabulary informing them. They are constituted and CEO offers to forward the Terms of Reference for that review. (Not in minuted (4.5), but need to chase).
JIAC(Joint Independent Audit Committee) – receive SWAP audits. OPCC has commissioned a review of all lay supported scrutiny....... I assume delivered by SWAP. Seems to be separate from the 'review' above and detailed in various Internal Audit Plans.
CLP on pause/hold due to review.