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.

3.1   To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 3 February 2026 as a correct record.

3.2   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.

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

This report provides an update and assurance on the governance and oversight arrangements the Council has in place as Shareholder of i4B Holdings Ltd (i4B) and Guarantor of First Wave Housing (FWH). It outlines the mechanisms through which the Council monitors performance, risk and compliance, and highlights key governance developments from the most recent Shareholder/ Guarantor meetings held in February 2026.

This report provide an update on progress with development of the Procurement Strategy and review.

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.

This report provides a summary of the Member Learning and Development Programme since the last report to the Committee in March 2025 along with details on Members Expenses and a review of the financial and procedural rules governing the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

This presents the Monitoring Officer’s Annual Report to the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee (ASAC) for 2025. 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 2025 together with the quarterly report on gifts and hospitality registered by Members.

This report presents the proposed Internal Audit Plan for 2026-27. The report also includes an assessment of the progress made at the end of Year 2 towards achieving the objectives outlined in the Internal Audit Strategy 2024-27, which was approved by Audit and Standards Advisory Committee in March 2024.

To receive a report from Grant Thornton (as the Council’s External Auditor) providing an update on external audit activity and relevant sector updates.

To receive, for information and reference, the final Audit Findings Report for 2024-25.

14.1    To consider the Committee’s provisional work programme for the 2026 -27 Municipal Year and dates identified (as set out below) for future meetings:

·            Monday 15 June 2026 (including Member Learning & Development session)

·            Monday 27 July 2026

·            Wednesday 23 September 2026

·            Monday 30 November 2026

·            Tuesday 2 February 2027

·            Wednesday 24 March 2027

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

To receive a verbal update from the Chair regarding the approach in seeking member’s views on the effectiveness of the Committee during the current 2025-26 municipal year for inclusion in the Chairs’ Annual Report.

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.