Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Audit Manager updating the Committee on the work performed by Internal Audit during the 2017/18 financial year as required by the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.

The Committee had before it and NOTED a report * from the Audit Manager updating it on the work performed by Internal Audit during the 2017/18 financial year as required by the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.

The officer outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:

·         This report should be used by the Committee as one of the strands of assurance to consider alongside the Annual Governance Statement when receiving the final version on 16^th July 2018.

·         Overall, based on work performed during 2017/18 the Head of Internal Audit’s Opinion was of ‘Significant Assurance’ on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority’s internal control framework. This meant that the risk management and the system of internal control were generally sound and designed to meet the organisations objectives. However, some weaknesses in design and/or inconsistent application of controls did not mitigate all risks identified putting the achievement of particular objectives at risk.

·         The plan of work had changed through the year as a result of changing priorities.

Consideration was given to risks identified in relation to the Development Control area. A project to address this was ongoing through the use of specialised software, although populating the system was time consuming and complex. The current position was being closely monitored by senior management and additional temporary staff engaged to clear the backlog. It was AGREED that an update on this situation be brought to the next meeting.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.