Audit and Governance Committee

Purpose:

To receive declarations of interest from Councillors relating to items to be considered at the meeting, in accordance with the provisions of the Fire Authority’s Local Code of Conduct, and any from Officers.

Purpose:

To note there were no matters referred to this Committee for decision.

Recommendation:

That the Minutes of the meeting and any recorded actions held on 16 March 2026 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Recommendation:

To note the RSM’s Progress Report 2025/26 and Annual Report and approve the Annual Audit Plan for 2026/27.

Appendix A – Pages 1-26

Appendix B – Pages 1-17

Appendix C – Pages 1-23

Appendix D – Pages 1-18

Appendix E – Pages 1-12

Appendix F – Pages 1-2

Appendix G – Pages 1-2

Recommendation:

To note Grant Thornton’s External Audit Plan and Regaining Assurance Strategy.

Appendix A – Pages 1-29

Appendix B – Pages 1-17

Recommendation:

To agree the six-week consultation, the draft Member Code of Conduct Consultation questions and that the findings be brought back to the Fire Authority in November 2026.

Appendix A – Pages 1-22

Appendix B – Pages 1-8

Recommendation:

To note the Discipline and Complaints Effectiveness Assessment report.

Appendix A – Pages 1-6

Recommendation:

To approve the Disciplinary Policy.

Appendix A – Pages 1-17

Recommendation:

To approve the Bullying and Harassment Policy and Employee Complaint Policy and Procedure.

Appendix A – Pages 1-12

Appendix B – Pages 1-13

Recommendation:

To receive a presentation on the Manchester Arena Inquiry (MAI) Assurance.

Recommendation:

To note the Local Pension Board Annual Report.

Recommendation:

To receive a presentation providing an Emergency Services Network/ESMCP Programme Update.

Purpose:

To note Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (RBFRS) Quarter Four performance for the 2025/26 financial year.

Appendix A – Pages 1-101

Recommendation:

That the Forward Plan be noted.

Wednesday 8 October, 6.30pm at RBFRS Headquarters, Newsham Court, Pincents Kiln, Calcot, Reading RG31 7SD.