In his latest regular column, Chairman of Maldon District Council, Councillor Mark Heard, explains how the council monitors the quality and value of the services it provides - and makes sure its financial regulations are working and effective, too.

"Back in March I explained about Maldon District Council's (MDC) Overview and Scrutiny Committee which examines the performance of committees and council officers, but another of the main council committees is the Performance, Governance and Audit Committee. Today I want to explain the functions of this committee or 'PG & A' as it is known.

"There is a stark difference between Overview and Scrutiny and PG & A because this committee monitors and looks at the Council's performance and delivery of services, measuring that against its business plans. It also reviews the operation of the council's financial regulations and procedures making recommendations on any changes.

"The PG & A Committee supports continual improvement at MDC. It approves the appointment of an external auditor and the external audit plan. It will also approve the internal audit plan and monitor progress by way of an annual report, using the opinion of the officer responsible for internal audit to consider the level of assurance given in respect of the council's corporate governance arrangements.

"It is vital that we make sure WHAT we're measuring is relevant, and that the value of the audit process is promoted. This committee also receives and considers the reports from the external audit and inspection agencies, reviewing the external auditor's opinion and monitoring management action in response to the issues raised.

"The committee itself is currently made up of five Independent councillors and three Conservative councillors, one Democratic Alliance councillor and one non-aligned. The Chairman is Councillor Jeanette Stilts (Independent for Maldon South) and Vice Chair is Councillor Karl Jarvis (Conservative non-aligned for Wickham Bishops and Woodham). Both Councillors have held these positions since November 2020 and were recently ratified for the next 12 months at our Statutory Annual Meeting in early May.

"The last meeting (25 March) focussed on the audit aspect looking at external audit fees, internal audit reports and a payroll audit. It also examined recent staff survey results.

"The PG & A Committee ensures that the council achieves value for money and that satisfactory arrangements are in place to promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness. It also looks at the authority's fraud and corruption arrangements (including 'whistleblowing') and promotes an anti-fraud culture relating to all the activities of the council. The committee may require any officer to attend its meetings to provide pertinent information and advice in relation to any internal or external audit report.

"This committee has a key role to provide independent assurance to the council on the adequacy of the risk management framework and the associated internal control environment and the extent to which the council is complying with good corporate governance principles.

"The most recent meeting was on Thursday, 10 June at the council offices, but you can catch up with it on YouTube or through the MDC website.

"Keep safe!"

Councillor Mark S. Heard