Board Meeting - May 2021

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority board meeting on 28 May 2021, held via video conferencing. The meeting will cover welcome and apologies, matters arising, declarations of interest, and then move to items for decision including the Governance Responsibility Statement, Board Committees' Terms of Reference, and the Board Convener Election. There will also be a discussion on the Audit and Risk Committee Report to the Board. The agenda also includes any other competent business and the date of the next meeting, scheduled for 11 June 2021.

This document contains a draft Governance Responsibility Statement for consideration by the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board. Prepared by David Cameron, Director of Corporate Services, the statement aims to clarify the roles of board members and executive managers in decision making, following an internal audit. The board is asked to consider the draft, and whether it represents an adequate document to guide the authority's governance and decision making. The draft has been developed by the Director of Corporate Services, the Convener and Deputy Convener, and reviewed by several groups. Amendments have been made, including clarifications on the responsibilities of the Convener and the Executive Management Team to liaise with ministers and officials, and to reiterate that decision making rests with the Board where non-executive responsibility criteria are met. The updated document is set out in Annex 1 for the Board to review.

This document contains an executive summary outlining the key principles for decision-making within the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (NPA) governance. It clarifies the responsibilities of both non-executive board members and executive management in decision-making processes. The goal is to establish a clear understanding of governance roles and responsibilities to support effective decision-making, assurance, and a balanced dynamic between the Board and executive team. The document covers areas such as setting strategic objectives, managing risks, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and guidelines, including the Framework Agreement and the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM). It emphasizes the importance of judgement and collaboration in governance, aiming to support the effective functioning of the Cairngorms NPA.

This document contains a proposal for the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) Board to consider the terms of reference for new Board Committees, following an initial agreement made in February 2021. The document asks the Board to consider and agree on the draft terms, including any necessary changes, and to implement the new committee structure. It also outlines the process and timeline for electing Committee Chairs, including amendments to Standing Orders. The document also covers how committee membership will be decided, based on the preferences of board members.

This document contains an outline of the responsibilities of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (Park Authority) board committees, which include Audit and Risk, Performance, Resources, and Governance. The document explains the role, main linkages, and specific responsibilities of each committee, as well as membership and attendance information. The committees are designed to support the Park Authority's governance structure, oversee internal controls, manage risks, ensure effective resource deployment, and monitor strategic performance. The committees are permanent, with a review of their remit annually.

This document contains a notification for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board about the election of the Board Convener. The current Convener's term ends on 30 September, with the new term starting 1 October 2021. The election process will be done by post, following a similar process used in November 2020 for Committee Chairs. Key dates include Board confirmation of the election process on 28 May, a nomination deadline of 11 June at 5pm, ballot paper distribution the week of 14 June, a ballot deadline of 30 June at 5pm, and the announcement of results by 2 July.

This document contains the Audit and Risk Committee's report to the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board, prepared by David Cameron, Director of Corporate Services. The Board is asked to consider the report and provide feedback to shape the Committee's work for the coming year. The report, covering October 2019 to March 2021, has been delayed due to the pressures of dealing with COVID19 and is attached as Annex 1.

This document contains the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report for the Cairngorms National Park Authority. It covers the period from October 2019 to March 2021, and details the committee's activities, including risk management, business continuity planning (BCP), and governance considerations. The committee also reviewed internal and external audit reports, ensuring that recommendations were addressed and that the Authority's internal controls and governance objectives were being met effectively, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Authority's accounts for 2019/20 received a clear external auditor's report, and the committee has been successful in progressing the Board's governance and internal control priorities.