Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager which presented a summary of findings from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) 2015 benchmarking group exercise for the Internal Audit Service (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager informed the Committee that a good set of comparators had been from authorities of a similar size to Durham.  He said that it was important to note that the focus was about ensuring the service was fit for purpose.  In relation to sickness absence he advised that significant improvements had been made over the last months and was hopeful of a positive outlook for 2015/16 and beyond.

In relation to training he advised that there were many opportunities given to staff with 2 employees studying for their Institute of Internal Auditor (IIA) qualifications, one of which qualified in the Summer.  He was pleased to inform the Committee that the IT Trainee Auditor had passed his final exams and would take up the post of Principal IT Auditor from 1 October 2015.

Ms Larkin-Bramley said that the figures were really good and that it was encouraging to hear that the IT Trainee Auditor had qualified.  She asked if junior members of staff would receive any training and was advised that employees had been asked if they wanted to take up the opportunity of taking up the trainee position.

Councillor L Armstrong asked why there always seemed to be a different comparative local authority group used and was informed that it depended upon which local authorities buy into different questionnaires. 

Resolved:

That the report be noted.