Issue - meetings

This report summarises internal audit activity in respect of audit reports issued during the period to 30 June 2010, as well as reporting on the performance of the Internal Audit service.

Geoff Drake, Chief Internal Auditor, introduced the report, which updated on the activities of the Internal Audit service in the quarter to 30 June 2010. He said that since the report was written, the situation reported had improved. 26 reports had been produced, 2 of which had limited assurance and were incorporate in the report. All recommendations relating to these 2 reports have been reported by management as implemented. 47 outstanding recommendations had been reduced to 14, none of which were more than six months past their target date for implementation.

Councillor Cartwright asked about the report to the Governing Body of Brackenbury Primary School, and how the arrangements were funded. Geoff Drake said that the audit was funded from the Schools budget, but that there was no extra contribution if an audit proved complex. In response to a query from Councillor Iggulden regarding the role of Governors, Jane West clarified that, as Director of Finance and Corporate Services, she was obliged to sign off that schools were in compliance with the Financial Management In Schools guidance, with the Council’s audit necessary in that regard.

Councillor Murphy asked what steps were taken when an audit found that there was sub-par performance on the part of Council officers. Geoff Drake said that Internal Audit did not make recommendations with regard to individual officers, with action of that nature left to line managers, but did monitor the implementation of recommendations made on limited assurance reports. Jane West added that these issues were picked up with Directors through the annual assurance statements.

RESOLVED THAT

The report be noted.