Issue - meetings
CDC Strategic Risk Register
Meeting: 08/01/2026 - Cabinet (Item 189)
189 CDC Strategic Risk Register Q2. 
PDF 640 KB
Purpose:
To set out the current Strategic Risk Register for the Council.
Recommendations:
That Cabinet resolves to:
1. Note the Strategic Risk Register and mitigation measures.
2. Endorse the proposal for the strategic risk register to be included in the work programme for the committee with a quarterly review frequency.
Additional documents:
- Annex A -CDC Strategic Risk Register CABINET 2026 01 08, item 189
PDF 281 KB
- Webcast for CDC Strategic Risk Register Q2.
Decision:
The purpose of the report was to set out the current Strategic Risk Register for the Council.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the report and highlighted that the Strategic Risk Register had been reviewed by the Corporate Leadership Team during Q2 and Q3 and considered by Audit and Governance Committee, with “Procurement” added as a new risk.
It was noted that the Council’s Risk and Opportunity Management Policy, reviewed in May 2025, set out the approach to risk management, including definitions, roles, responsibilities, and the Council’s risk appetite.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tony Dale.
Resolved that Cabinet:
1. Reviewed the Strategic Risk Register and mitigation measures.
2. Endorsed the proposal for the strategic risk register to be included in the work programme for the committee with a quarterly review frequency.
Voting record:
7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was to set out the current Strategic Risk Register for the Council.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the Strategic Risk Register, noting that it had been reviewed by the Corporate Leadership Team during Quarters 2 and 3 and considered by Audit and Governance Committee. It was highlighted that “Procurement” had been added as a new risk following the December Audit and Governance Committee review. It was noted that the Council’s Risk and Opportunity Management Policy, reviewed in May 2025, set out the Council’s approach to risk management, including definitions, roles, responsibilities, and risk appetite.
It was noted that the Audit and Governance Committee had recommended that both Cabinet and the Committee review the Strategic Risk Register quarterly, to provide regular oversight of strategic risks. The Leader emphasised that regular review ensured Cabinet had the opportunity to input on risks and monitor the Council’s approach to decision-making.
David Stanley, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer, confirmed that the register was reviewed every two months by the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) and then by the Extended Management Team (EMT), which included heads of service, ensuring regular monitoring at officer level. It was clarified that the colour coding in the appendix had not applied correctly in the initial report but that a corrected version had now been published.
The following risks were highlighted by Cabinet members:
· Members were encouraged to consider operational and reputational impacts, with particular reference to health and safety risks at the Council’s three leisure centres. It was requested that the risk rating be reviewed to reflect the actual situation and compliance with Health and Safety Executive requirements.
· Cybersecurity was identified as a high-priority risk due to the increasing threat from organised crime and social engineering, with emphasis placed on ensuring adequate resources and staff training to manage these risks.
· The risk of staff burnout was noted, particularly within the Planning service, in light of pressures arising from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The importance of monitoring staff wellbeing to retain experienced officers was emphasised.
· Potential health risks from influenza were highlighted as was the likely impact on staff capacity during critical periods. The Director of Communities and Place, confirmed that staff in the MediCash scheme could claim flu vaccinations and arrangements for other staff were being explored.
The Chief Executive noted that this was the first occasion the Strategic Risk Register had been considered alongside the Financial and Service Performance Reports. Cabinet was encouraged to consider risk, cost, and performance together in future quarterly updates and it was emphasised that the register represented the most strategic risks at the current time, which would shift and change over subsequent quarters.
It was agreed that the Strategic Risk Register would continue to be reviewed quarterly by both Cabinet and the Audit and Governance Committee, with attention to operational impacts, reputational considerations, and staff wellbeing, and that colour coding would accurately reflect risk scores in future reports.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike ... view the full minutes text for item 189