Decision details

Internal Audit Service Progress Report

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Decisions:

The Committee considered the Internal Audit Service Progress Report for the period to mid-March 2015.  The final report for 2014/15 would be presented to the Committee at their meeting in June 2015.

 

Since September 2014 internal audit work had been strongly focussed on following up agreed remedial actions and on re-auditing areas with known control weaknesses as these were addressed by the Council's senior management teams. The Management Team was keen to rectify the control weaknesses reported in 2013/14 and to ensure that controls over areas of high and moderate risk are adequately designed and effective in operation.

 

In relation to the use of highways contractors where only limited assurance had been given the Committee was informed that controls in this area would be audited again in May.  Members expressed concerns over the lack of evidence that procurement exercises had taken place as required where corporate contracts were not already in place. The Committee was advised that actions had been agreed to address the issues, for example training for staff in the highways depots, and more effective oversight by managers Members indicated that if the issue was not addressed then the relevant managers should attend the Committee to explain why Financial and Procurement Regulations were not being complied with.

 

The Committee was also informed that in relation to debt management and recovery a new Income and Debt Management Policy had recently been agreed and arrangements were being out in place to implement the required changes from the end of June 2015.

 

In relation to counter fraud activity, the Committee were informed that during April 2015 e-learning would be provided for targeted staff working in finance, procurement and contract management posts to raise awareness of areas susceptible to fraud, as well as the whistle-blowing lines available to them.

 

 

Resolved: That the Committee note the Internal Audit Service Progress report for the period to mid-March 2015

 

Date of decision: 13/04/2015

Decided at meeting: 13/04/2015 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Accompanying Documents: