Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources / Treasurer to the Joint Committee.

Councillors were introduced to the new Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager, Paul Bradley, who had replaced the Manager and Head of Internal Risk, Avril Wallage who had retired.   The Head of Finance - Financial Services noted that it was a requirement for the body that reviews the accounts to also have a review of the effectiveness of Internal Audit (for copy see file of minutes). 

Members noted that part of the role of Durham County Council’s Audit Committee was to scrutinise the performance of Internal Audit.  It was explained that this, and the work of External Auditors, provided assurance to the Joint Committee that the work carried out by Internal Audit was in line with best practice and the latest audit standards. 

The Head of Finance - Financial Services explained that Appendix 2 to the report set out the main outcomes from the review and the resultant improvement plan.  Members were reminded that the review feeds into the Annual Governance Statement and Statement of Accounts.

Resolved:

(i)          That the information demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of the Durham County Council Internal Audit Service be noted.

(ii)         That the actions to further improve the service during 2013/14 be noted.