Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager which provided the Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fund Manager’s assurance opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s internal control environment and presented the Annual Internal Audit Report for 2017/18 (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager confirmed that he had given a moderate overall assurance opinion for 2017/18.  He confirmed that work was taking place with the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services, the Head of Education and Business Managers regarding the limited assurance reports given to some schools.  Information would be sent out to schools with help and support provided. He added that the Corporate Director of Resources had issued instructions to all staff recently as a reminder to follow policies and procedures.

Members of the Committee were advised that although a moderate opinion had been given that there was a positive incline and the journey to see improvements was well underway.

The Corporate Director of Resources said that the Audit Committee had taken a keen interest through the processes in place throughout the authority and did hold services to account and assured them that there was a real focus on improvement.

Mr Robinson was encouraged about the opinion and agreed that controls were in place.  However, he was concerned that although controls were in place, they were not being operated as effectively as they should be.  He suggested that the Council promote a ‘you are responsible’ approach to staff.

Resolved:

That the content of the Annual Internal Audit Report and the overall ‘moderate’ opinion provided on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s Internal Control environment for 2017/18 be noted.