Agenda

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.

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

4.1   To approve the minutes of the previous meetings held on Wednesday 3 December 2025 as correct.

4.2   To note the updated Action Log from previous meetings of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.

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

This report provides an annual review of the complaints received pursuant to, and a review of, the Members’ Code of Conduct Complaints procedure.

The purpose of the report is to update the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee on the progress made so far as a consequence of the Council’s self-referral in April 2025 to the Regulator of Social Housing.

To undertake a Deep Dive exploration on the subject of the strategic risk presented to Brent Council from the ongoing development of AI technology recognising the way in which Brent is expanding its use of AI and automation to enhance efficiency and modernise service delivery.

To assist in the review, a paper has been attached which outlines the strategic risks along with the gaps identified in a recent internal audit. It provides an in?depth overview of the newly added AI Strategic Risk within the Council’s Strategic Risk Register and summarises the internal audit findings, governance improvements and planned actions designed to provide the necessary oversight and mitigation.

(Please note the agenda has been republished on 28 January 26 to include an updated version of the AI Strategic Risk Register attached as Appendix 1 to the report)

Further to feedback from the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee on 3 December 2025, this report provides an update on action owners, accepted recommendations, and implementation dates for audits reported as completed within the Interim Internal Audit Report. It also reinstates the ‘Basis of Our Classifications’ and ‘Assurance Definitions’ for clarification.

To receive an update on the progress in finalising the External Audit Findings Report and Council’s Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 25.

To consider the Audit and Standards Advisory Committees work programme 2025-26.

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