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 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 NALC* 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 two 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:

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 will “walk” the village, 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.