Risk Assessment Policy

WOLLASTON PARISH COUNCIL
RISK ASSESSMENT POLICY
FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT
The Council will follow the model financial regulations as set out by the National Association of Local Councils (“NALC”) and adopted by the Parish Council (“PC”). The main areas of internal control are:
• Councillors will never sign blank cheques with all cheques to be signed by two councillors – the clerk is not to be a signatory on the bank accounts.
• Bill Payments will be agreed at PC meetings and recorded in the minutes.
• There is to be no petty cash with the clerk purchasing sundry items as need be and claiming such sums via his/her expenses against receipts.
• The budget will be set prior to applying for the precept and this will be periodically reviewed at PC meetings.
• The clerk will be the Responsible Financial Officer and will administer the accounts in a proper manner ensuring correct records and internal and external audits are completed.
• The Vice Chairman or a member of the finance committee will act as the internal auditor for the PC and will periodically check the accounts and bank reconciliations with the clerk.
• An independent Internal Auditor is appointed by NCALC and the PC will take note of any recommendations to ensure correct standards of accounting are maintained.
• Any comments from the External Auditors will be adhered to.
• The Accounts will be available for public inspection.
• The PC will obtain at least three quotations for major items of expenditure as defined in the Standing Orders.
INSURANCE
The PC will review its insurance policy annually at renewal to ensure adequate cover is in place. The insurance of all new capital items is to be reviewed at time of purchase.
PARISH COUNCILLORS
The Parish Councillors will endeavour to work as a team and be aware of their responsibilities as to the law and proper PC procedures. They will attend meetings regularly. They will be provided with a copy of “The Good Councillors Guide” and be familiar and endeavour to comply with the:
Model Code of Conduct The clerk will endeavour to see that the PC operates in accordance with the law and maintains the correct records as required by the law
Freedom of Information Act
Race Discrimination Act
Disability Discrimination Act
STANDING ORDERS
The PC will abide by the model “Standing Orders” which has been adopted by the Council.
ASSET REGISTER
The PC will maintain an assets register (those fixed assets which are insured will be indicated so as to agree with the insurance policy document).
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillors will be asked, at the start of each meeting if they have any interests to declare and, if they do, they will leave the meeting.
PROPERTY
For public safety the PC through its working parties and the clerk will “walk” the village, monthly but at least annually, to ensure all its property, and areas of responsibility, are in a good state of repair and order. In addition to the annual external professional review, the recreation/play areas will be inspected by the PC monthly and trees maintained by the PC will be inspected by an external professional every three years.

Signed …………………………………..
Chair, Wollaston Parish Council

Date…………………………………………

Reviewed September 2021
Next Review September 2023