Agenda item

Report of the Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager which informed members of the work carried out by Internal Audit during the period 1 April 2017 to March 2018 as part of the 2017/2018 Internal Audit Plan (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Audit and Fraud Manager highlighted the movements in the plan, removed audits and unplanned reviews added to the plan. The Committee were advised that 24% of the total plan had been delivered, exceeding the target of 22.5%. There had been 2 audits finalised in the quarter that had been issued a limited assurance opinion. With reference to the survey response rate an average score of 4.5 out of 5 was given from service groupings. The summary of progress on the actions due were highlighted and members were informed that 97% of actions had been implemented.

Mr Robinson was assured that the overspend for Children and Young People’s Services was closely monitored through the MTFP and budget monitoring.  An understanding of the challenges faced by the service and specific controls were in place looking at the wider implications. The Corporate Director of Resources advised Members advised that this was a national issue but that the authority were looking at what drives the demand for the service.  The Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager added that there was a focus from Internal Audit on attention to budget management and the team were working closely with transformation colleagues to ensure controls were in place.

Councillor Clark asked if service areas were closely monitored with regards to overdue actions, although she was aware that different types of audit were carried out for some services.  The Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager said that his team helped to support managers and the council to achieve their objectives and whenever a service area was struggling to hit a target date, attention was focused to help them achieve this.

Resolved:

(i)            That the amendments made to the 2018/2019 Annual Internal Audit Plan, be noted.

(ii)          That the work undertaken by Internal Audit during the period ending 30 June 2018 be noted.

(iii)         That the performance of the Internal Audit Service during the period,be noted.

(iv)         That the progress made by service managers in responding to the work of Internal Audit, be noted.