Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jayanti Patel along with Councillor Kansagra as his notified substitute.

David Ewart (as Chair) also took the opportunity to formally welcome Sebastian Evans to his first meeting of the Committee as newly Independent co-opted member (audit focussed) following his appointment by Full Council in February 2025.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

David Ewart (Chair) declared a personal interest as a member of CIPFA.

To hear any deputations received from members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 67.

There were no deputations considered at the meeting.

4.1   To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 4 February 2025 as a correct record.

4.2   To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 24 February 2025 as a correct record.

(Agenda republished to include the attached minutes on 24 March 25)

4.3   To note the updated Action Log arising from previous meetings of the Committee.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meetings held on Tuesday 4 February 2025 and Monday 24 February 2025 be approved as a correct record.

Members noted the updates provided in relation to the Action Log of issues identified at previous meetings along with the further enhancements proposed to support the efficiency and tracking of future actions identified by the Committee. Specific updates were provided in response to the following matters:

(a)        London Borough of Brent Auditors Annual Report 2023-24 (4 December 24) - Councillor Chan (as Vice Chair) advised of further work he had undertaken to explore the potential opportunities available to support the value for money element of the Council’s Procurement Strategy review, which he was keen to ensure were fed into the wider procurement review the Committee had scheduled early in the new Municipal Year.

Recognising concerns raised by Members regarding the level of business on Audit and Standards Advisory Committee agendas the Chair and Vice Chair advised of discussions planned with officers to review the structure of the Committee’s work programme and meetings designed to maximise efficiency and provide sufficient time for the consideration of key items on each agenda.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

None.

The Chair agreed to amend the order of business so that the Review of the Use of Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (Agenda Item 7) and Annual Standards and Governance Report for 2024 (including quarterly update on gifts and hospitality) (Agenda Item 8) were considered in advance of a short break in the meeting to enable those members observing Ramadan to break for Iftar.  The minutes reflect the order in which the items were considered at the meeting.

This report details the Council’s use and conduct of surveillance techniques in accordance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 in compliance with the annual review obligations set out in Brent Council’s RIPA policy and procedures.

Bianca Robertson (Senior Lawyer for Constitutional and Governance) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Law & Governance, providing an update on the Council’s use and conduct of surveillance techniques in accordance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and in compliance with the annual review obligations within the Council’s RIPA policy and procedures.

In considering the report the Committee noted:

·             The background to the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) which provided the Council with significant powers to investigate serious matters and offences, enabling the Council to use covert surveillance, covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) and the acquisition of service user or subscriber information in relation to communications data in a manner that was compatible with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (governing an individual’s right to respect for their private and family life).

·             The outline of criteria which would need to be met prior to the Council being able to use the powers available to undertake covert surveillance, which, included approval of the application by a Magistrate and with covert surveillance techniques including static surveillance (e.g. taking up an observer post to monitor the activities and movements of those suspected of having committed criminal offences); mobile surveillance (e.g. following someone to see where they were going without their knowledge); and using hidden CCTV at a crime hotspot.  These techniques were referred to as ‘directed surveillance’ with RIPA also extended to the use of undercover officers and informants referred to as ‘Covert Human Intelligence Sources’ (more commonly referred to as CHIS).

·             The Council was periodically inspected by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) with Brent’s last inspection in March 2020 having concluded with satisfactory findings from the Inspectorate. During 2023, the IPCO had reviewed its inspection methodology for local authorities, ceasing routine inspections and now requiring a written update on compliance, followed by an assessment and determination regarding the necessity of remote or in-person inspections.

·             Brent had submitted an initial written response in July 2023 addressing matters identified by the Inspector, including internal governance and oversight, policy updates, annual; updates to elected member, training and awareness raising initiatives, and internal compliance procedures. In August 2024, the Inspector had they were satisfied with the assurance provided in relation to the Council’s compliance and would not require any further inspection during the current year with the Council expecting the need for a further submission in 2026.

·             The outcome of the annual review of RIPA policy and procedures following the previous review in 2024 which, whilst not identifying the need for any substantive changes, had resulted in a number of proposed minor amendments to reflect changes made in the Council’s organisational management structure as detailed within Appendix A of the report.

·             The ongoing decline in use of RIPA over recent years, with zero RIPA Directed Surveillance or Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS) authorisations in Brent during 2024-25 and ten requests for Communications Data, as detailed within section 3 of the report.

The Chair thanked Bianca  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This presents the Monitoring Officer’s Annual Report to the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee (ASAC) for 2024. The report provides an update on Member conduct issues and the work of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee, the Audit and Standards Committee (ASC) and the Monitoring Officer during 2024 together with the quarterly report on gifts and hospitality registered by Members.

Debra Norman (Corporate Director of Governance and Law) introduced the report updating the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee (ASAC) on Member conduct issues and the work of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee, the Audit and Standards Committee (ASC) and the Monitoring Officer during 2024, together with the quarterly report on gifts and hospitality registered by Members. The Committee noted the following key points:

·             The summary of the work undertaken by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee during 2024 on standards related issues (as detailed within section 3.2 of the report) which had included regular monitoring updates in relation to members declaration of gifts and hospitality and attendance at mandatory training sessions as well as updates on standards related Ombudsman and other relevant legal cases and the annual review of Member Learning and Development use of RIPA powers and the Annual Governance Statement. Members noted that the Audit & Standards Committee has also met on one occasion during 2024 (in relation to governance and standards issues) to formally approve the Annual Governance Statement.

·             Following the appointment of Rhys Jarvis and Stephen Ross as Independent co-opted members (both Standards focussed) on the Advisory Committee, it was noted that Full Council in February 2025 had also approved the appointment of Sebastian Evans as an Independent co-opted member (Audit focussed) and would also be asked to confirm (at the Annual Council meeting in May 2025) the ongoing appointment of the three existing Independent Persons – William Goh, Keir Hopley and Julie Byrom for the 2024-25 Municipal Year.

·             During 2024 the Monitoring Officer had received complaints and made determinations regarding six councillors allegedly in breach of the Members  Code of Conduct.  Of these complaints two were resolved at Initial Assessment Stage; three were resolved at Assessment Criteria Stage; one was still currently under investigation.  Of these two were upheld as a breach of the Code; two were subject to review requests, which were not upheld; and one had escalated to formal investigation stage (at the request of the Councillor) with a summary attached as Appendix A of the report.

·             The details of Gifts and Hospitality registered by members in the final quarter of 2024-25 (Jan – March 24) as detailed in section 3.11 and Appendix B of the report.  Members noted that following a recommendation in the Value for Money Report from the external auditors, a review was also currently being undertaken in respect of aspects of the Council’s member’s gifts and hospitality relating to declarations classified as exceptional items which would be reported to the committee in due course.

·             Three Monitoring Officer Advice Motes had been issued to date during 2024, addressing (as part a focus on the Members Code of Conduct) impartiality and disrepute, registering and declaring interests and the complaints process.  Members were advised that one further MOAN was scheduled to be issued during the current year relating to bullying and intimidation with all MOANs available to access via the Members internal SharePoint Portal.

·             The update provided in relation to member attendance at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report provides the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee with an update on the work of the Housing Companies, i4B Holdings Ltd (i4B) and First Wave Housing (FWH) to deliver against their business plans for 2024-25, which were agreed by the Council as Shareholder of i4B and Guarantor of FWH.

(Agenda republished to include the attached report on 19 March 25)

Ahead of the formal introduction of the item, the Chair reminded members of the newly introduced reporting arrangements for i4B Holdings Ltd (i4B) and First Wave Housing Ltd (FWH) with the role of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee now focussed around assurance relating to the arrangements the Council, as Shareholder (in the case of i4B) and Guarantor (in the case of WFH), had in place to oversee the governance and performance of both companies rather than on their detailed operational management & performance, which would be monitored through the Council’s scrutiny function.

The Chair then welcomed Andrew Hudson to the meeting (as Chair of the Boards for both i4B Holdings Ltd and FWH Ltd) who introduced the update report outlining the work being undertaken by both Housing companies to deliver against their respective business plans for 2024-25, which had been agreed by the Council as Shareholder of i4B and Guarantor of FWH along with an update on their 2025-26 Business Plans.  In presenting the report, the following issues were highlighted:

·             The Committee’s attention was drawn to section 3.3 in the Committee report which detailed the governance arrangements in place relating to both companies along with the updates provided in section 3.4 on the key issues covered at the most recent Shareholder meeting between the Council and i4B and Guarantor meeting between the Council and FWH (held in February 2025) relating to operational performance and financial performance as well as progress against each respective Business Plan (on which the full reports had been included as Appendix 1 (i4B) and Appendix 2 (FWH) of the Committee report).

·             As a summary of key operational performance issues highlighted, members were advised:

o      of the ongoing challenges identified in relation to the management of voids including delays from third-party freeholders affecting turnaround times. Both i4B and FWH Board had conducted a deep-dive session to identify ways to reduce void times and rent loss, resulting in an action plan which the Boards had reviewed at their February meeting.

o      Whilst the most recent tenant satisfaction metrics for both companies had shown an increase in overall satisfaction, levels were still below the London average, and below where the companies want to be with work focussed around the Housing Companies Tenant Services Managers reflected in the improved results with further work underway to consolidate and enhance performance over the coming year.

o      In terms of acquisitions, i4B was reported as having exceeded their acquisition target of 25 properties for 2024-25 with the company having successfully purchased 27 street properties and a small block of 9 units within the borough.  Whilst noting performance in this respect had been strong members were advised of the challenges in being able to maintain current levels of acquisitions moving into 2025-26 given movements in interest rates and other factors impacting on viability making it harder to acquire properties within the necessary financial criteria.  In recognising the importance in continuing to prioritise acquisitions, given the ongoing demand for housing and need to alleviate costs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

This report provides a summary of the Member Learning and Development Programme since the last report to the Committee in March 2024 along with details on Members Expenses and a review of the financial and procedural rules governing the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

Amira Nassr (Deputy Director for Democratic Services) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Law & Governance that provided members with a summary of the Member Learning and Development (MLD) Programme since the last report to Committee in March 2024, and information regarding the Members’ Expenses Scheme as well as an update on the financial and procedural rules governing the Mayor's Charity Appeal.

In considering the report the Committee noted:

·             The role of the Member Learning and Development Steering Group in providing constructive input to shape and evaluate development of the Member Learning & Development programme with an outline of upcoming sessions detailed within Appendix 1 of the report.

·             Whilst most Member and Learning Development sessions continued to be delivered online as the preferred method of learning and development identified by members, the benefits and effectiveness of in person face to face training had also been recognised involving a range of delivery times and with the trial of hybrid sessions also continuing, as required.

·             The feedback provided on the current Member Learning & Development Programme, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report, which it was noted would be used to assist shaping development of the future programme of activity.

·             The offer of individual Personal Development Plan (PDP) sessions to all members to support identification of individual training needs and assist in shaping future training programmes. Details of the offer provided were set out in section 8 of the report with 31 of 57 members having taken the opportunity for a PDP in 2022 and 12 out of 57 members in 2024.  A summary of the key priorities identified as a result were detailed within section 8.2 of the report with the core attributes identified for development focussed around chairing and facilitation skills, public speaking, use of social media, leadership development, IT skills and scrutiny.  A further programme of follow up reviews had been scheduled to follow the local borough elections in 2026 with Brent’s Councillor Development Charter Plus re-assessment having been completed in February 2025 and the Council successful in retaining its Charter Plus Standard accreditation.

·             The update provided in relation to Members Allowances and expense claims, as detailed within section 9 and Appendix C of the report.  Members were advised that most expense claims related to training as well as caring duties.

·             The update provided in relation to the review of the financial and procedural rules governing the Mayors Charity Appeal, as detailed in section 10 and Appendix 4 of the report.  This had in resulted in two proposed changes to the Procedure Rules being recommended for consideration and recommendation to The Audit & Standards Committee for formal approval, designed to further enhance transparency in the Charity Appeal operated:

o      That the Mayor, or immediate Members of their family, must not be a Trustee or Chair (or an equivalent position) at a charity the Mayor is fundraising for; and

o      If a donor decided to donate to the Mayor’s charity directly, proof of donation must be shared with the Mayor’s Office. This  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report presents the proposed Internal Audit Plan for 2025-26.  The report also includes an assessment of the progress made at the end of Year 1 towards achieving the objectives outlined in the Internal Audit Strategy 2024-27, which was approved by Audit and Standards Advisory Committee in March 2024.

Darren Armstrong (Deputy Director Organisational Assurance and Resilience) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources setting out the Internal Audit Plan 2025-26 along with an assessment of the progress made at the end of Year 1 towards delivery of the objectives outlined within the Internal Audit Strategy 2024-27.

In presenting the report the following key areas were highlighted:

·             The adoption of a revised methodology in relation to the Internal Audit Plan during 2024-25 that moved away from the traditional, rigid 'annual plan' approach. Due to its success, this methodology had been retained for 2025-26 aligned with the objectives outlined in the Internal Audit Strategy 2024-2027, which aimed to implement a more agile and enhanced risk-based approach to planning and delivery, while also continuing to provide a robust programme of core assurance.

·             The extensive scope of internal audit activity which required the management and balancing of evolving and often conflicting needs and expectations from a broad range of stakeholders. To meet these demands, the Plan detailed the approach towards the management of resources which had been structured to ensure the Internal Audit function remained agile and responsive to new and emerging risks, while also providing robust assurance over the Council’s core processes and controls, fulfilling an advisory role and supporting management in relation to areas of emerging risks and opportunities. 

·             In considering the factors outlined and reflecting the objectives within the Internal Audit Strategy, the Plan (as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report) had been divided into four sections split between core assurance work; a list of audit areas identified under an agile risk based approach designed to provide enhanced flexibility in order to respond to changing risks and priorities; consultancy & advice work and finally follow up activity with a strategic and inherent risk assurance map also provided covering the three year plan period which also set out how Internal Audit resources would be utilised and deployed, underpinned by the Internal Audit Charter.

·             Officers had developed the Internal Audit Plan alongside Global Internal Audit Standards, which set out requirements including the need for the plan to remain dynamic and subject to regular updates with the new approach having been validated by the Council’s External Auditors as providing increased flexibility and responsiveness and also receiving positive feedback as part of the Council’s recent Corporate Peer Challenge.

·             In terms of the work outlined within the Internal Audit Plan to provide assurance over the Council’s key systems and controls in accordance with the three-year cyclical plan this included (during 2025-26) 5 audits across the Council’s key financial systems and 5 audits of high inherent risk areas and other matters such as school audits and grant certification work. This work was predicted to remain relatively stable throughout the year accounting for approximately 28% of available time and Internal Audit resource.  In terms of the agile risk based element of the Plan in seeking to focus audit resources on areas with the greatest assurance needs, members were advised that three audits were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

This report provides an update on the Council’s Strategic Risks as of March 2025. The update has been prepared in consultation with risk leads and Departmental Management Teams and summarises the risks that are considered to be of an impact and/or likelihood of materialising, and which may have an adverse effect on the achievement of the Council’s corporate objectives.

Darren Armstrong (Deputy Director Organisational Assurance & Resilience) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources providing the Committee with an update on the Council’s Strategic Risks as of March 2025.

In considering the report the Committee noted:

·             The Strategic Risk Register had been prepared in consultation with risk leads, Departmental Management Teams and the Council Management Team in accordance with the key elements of the Council’s Risk Management Policy and Strategy. The report summarised the risks that were considered to have an impact and/or likelihood of materialising, and which may have an adverse effect on the achievement of the Council’s corporate objectives.

·             Since the report was last updated in September 2024, the Council had continued to operate in a heightened risk environment due to various external factors with the Council’s overall risk profile therefore continuing to reflect the challenging risk environment the Council was operating within and eight of the fourteen strategic risks currently outside their target risk score.

·             The importance of risk management as a core element of the Council's corporate governance framework with the Strategic Risk Register owned collectively by the Council Management Team (CMT) and each risk being assigned a Corporate Director as risk sponsor and the report provided via the ‘bottom-up’ provision of risks from services and departments, which were deemed to require consideration at the higher level along with direct input via CMT with its purpose to identify, assess, and control risks that could hinder the achievement of Council objectives. The Council's approach, including the Strategic Risk Report, was closely aligned with the Borough Plan priorities and supported decision-making, business planning, and performance management.

·             In terms of key themes identified, members were advised specific attention had been focussed on the following risks:

o      Risk A: Lack of Affordable Accommodation – with the Housing Needs Service having seen a 33% increase in demand from families and single people who are either threatened with homelessness, or homeless from 2021/22 to 2023/24;

o      Risk B: Cost of Living Crisis – with this continuing to be one of the Council’s highest scoring risks reflecting that demand for support from Brent Hubs remained high in relation to Housing, Council Tax Support and RSF applications, food and fuel aid enquiries, housing and homelessness enquiries, Council Tax, welfare benefits and other presented needs such as, housing benefit, debt and money enquiries, employment, general support and immigration and the overall trend remaining upward.

o          Risk C – Increase in Dedicated School Grants High Needs Block Deficit – with this also continuing to be of the highest scoring risks.  The DSG had carried a deficit balance since 2019-20 and the cumulative balance carried forward from 2023/24 being £13.2m.  The current in year DSG forecast deficit of £0.4m would increase the overall deficit to £13.6m.  Work continued to manage pressures against the High Needs Block of the DSG, with the statutory override now extended until 2025/26.  Concerns continued to be raised, however, with the government about the sustainability of the current national SEND system  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

This report presents the final Audit Findings Report for 2023-24.

Sheena Phillips (Senior Audit Manager, Grant Thornton) was then invited to introduce the final Audit Findings Report for 2023-24 to the Committee.  Members noted that the report had been produced following completion of the audit of the Council’s 2023-24 Statement of Accounts, which had been finalised and published in advance of the backstop deadline on 28 February 2025.  Members were advised that the Audit Findings Report had been issued with an unqualified audit opinion with work now commencing on preparations for the 2024-25 statement of accounts with the draft audit plans due to be presented to the Committee in June 2025.

No comments or questions were raised in relation to the report and, having once again thanked all involved for their efforts in ensuing the audit was completed in advance of the backstop deadline, the Committee RESOLVED to note the report.

To receive a report from Grant Thornton (as the Council’s External Auditor) providing external audit progress and sector updates.

The Chair then invited Sheena Phillips (Senior Audit Manager, Grant Thornton) to introduce a report providing an update on progress being made by Grant Thornton in delivering their responsibilities as the Council’s External Auditors along with various sector updates.  The following key updates were highlighted:

·             Having issued the audit opinion for 2023-24 the planning and risk assessment work for the 2024-25 audit of the Statement of Accounts and Value for Money review was now underway with the External Audit Plan due to be presented to the Committee in June 2025.  Detailed audit work was due to commence in July 25 and was currently scheduled to be completed by September 2025.

·             In terms of sector updates, these had included an update on the process involving the devolution and reorganisation of local government across the country, local audit reform as well as changes being consulted upon in relation to the future of local government financial reporting and accounts and the standards regime.

Having thanked Sheena Phillips for the update the Chair then invited comments from the Committee with the following issues highlighted:

·             Referring to reference within the previous report to the establishment of a cross Council working group, reporting to the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources, set up to work collaboratively to address the challenges experienced with the audit of the 2023-24 accounts including accuracy of the Fixed Asset Register and valuation of assets, members were keen to explore how this process could be developed to address wider issues relating to audit activity.  In response, members were advised that similar processes had been established previously (where identified as necessary) and achieved positive outcomes, with this process designed to provide early engagement with all relevant departments and senior management to ensure the clear allocation of responsibilities and accuracy of data required in preparation for the 2024-25 accounts as well as the Council’s valuers.  Feedback and engagement was reported as positive to date with work ongoing to prepare the draft accounts within the required deadline.  From an External Audit perspective Sheena Phillips advised no hot reviews were anticipated for the 2025-26 audit process reducing the likelihood of unforeseen delays.

·             Recognising the impact which the adoption of IFRS 16 would have on preparation of the 2024-25 financial statements, members sought details on the work also being undertaken to prepare for the implementation of these changes including the data sets that would be required.  In response, members were advised that the new standard would require changes for most leases to be recognised on the balance sheet impacting both assets and liabilities. The finance team had therefore been planning (working through the cross council working group) for the change to enable a smooth transition (including completeness of the required data sets) and would be engaging early with the auditors on the updates as part of the 2024-25 audit.

·             Members concerns to ensure that the level of external audit fees and any additional charges incurred, or further increase in fees as part of the work due to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

The purpose of this report is agree the approach for seeking member’s views on the effectiveness of the Committee during the current 2024-25 municipal year for inclusion in the Chairs’ Annual Report.

As the final item, the Chair then introduced a report setting out proposals to seek members views on the effectiveness of the Committee during the 2024-25 Municipal Year for inclusion within the Chair’s Annual Report.

Officers were thanked for their support in preparing the report, with the approach toward the self-assessment process focussed around the questionnaire developed by the Local Government Association as a guide to evaluate the effectiveness of Audit Committees.  This included the opportunity for members to provide views not only on the operation of the Committee over the last year but also opportunities for improvement moving forward.

In order to structure the approach towards feedback, it was proposed that the questionnaire should be circulated to all members of the Committee (including the independent co-opted members) following the meeting for them to complete and return by the start of May 2025.  The Governance Team would then be asked to collate the feedback anonymously to share with the Chair and Vice-Chair with the responses then being used to inform the Chair’s Annual Report and subject to further consideration by the Committee at the start of the new Municipal Year.

The Committee RESOLVED to approve the approach outlined for the self-assessment process, as set out above and detailed within section 3.3 of the report focussed around the LGA questions for Audit Committees.

To consider the Committee’s provisional work programme for the 2025-26 Municipal Year and dates identified (as set out below) for future meetings:

Thursday 5 June 2025 (including Member Learning & Development session)

Wednesday 23 July 2025

Thursday 25 September 2025

Wednesday 3 December 2025

Tuesday 3 February 2026

Tuesday 24 March 2026

Please note all of the above meetings are scheduled to commence at 6pm and will be held in person at Brent Civic Centre.

It was RESOLVED to note the Committee’s Forward Plan and Work Programme for the 2025-26 Municipal Year with the provisional dates for meetings noted as:

·             Tuesday 5 June 2025 (subsequently changed in the process of finalising the Council’s municipal calendar of meetings for 2024-25 to Monday 16 June 2025)

·             Wednesday 23 July 2025

·             Tuesday 25 Septembers 2025

·             Wednesday 3 December 2025

·             Tuesday 3 February 2026

·             Tuesday 24 March 2026

Members noted that development of the Committee’s ongoing work programme would continue to be kept under close review by the Chair and Vice Chair working with officers to ensure sufficient capacity was maintained to allow for the appropriate consideration of items at each meeting.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Deputy Director Democratic Services or their representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

Prior to closing the meeting, David Ewart (as Chair) took the opportunity to advise members that Colin Garland (Auditor Manager) would shortly be leaving the Council.  In recognising his role in supporting the work of the Committee and Council’s Internal Audit function, members formally thanked Colin for his work and wished him well for the future.

In addition, the Chair also took the opportunity to remind members this would be Debra Norman’s final meeting, prior to retiring from her role as Corporate Director Law & Governance and as the Council’s Monitoring Officer.  In paying personal tribute, he thanked Debra (on behalf of the Committee) for all her guidance in supporting both himself, the wider Committee and all members of the Council and wished her all the best for the future.  The Committee also took the opportunity to welcome Marsha Henry (as Director of Law), who they were advised was due to take up the role of Monitoring Officer following Debra’s retirement.