40 Internal Audit Progress Report (00:40:17) PDF 558 KB
To receive a report from the Deputy Head of the Devon Audit Partnership monitoring the progress and performance on Internal Audit.
Minutes:
The Committee had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Head of the Audit Partnership reviewing the progress and performance of Internal Audit.
It was highlighted that overall, based on work performed during 2019/20 the Head of Internal Audit’s Opinion continued to be one of ‘Substantial Assurance’ on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority’s internal control framework.
The following was also highlighted within the report:
· A skills assessment survey of the Audit Committee had recently been undertaken.
· There was a piece of work being undertaken in conjunction with Grant Thornton regarding the Housing Benefit subsidy claim.
· 3 specialist staff had been brought on board to help with outstanding audit work and they would be particularly looking at the specialist areas of, for example, IT.
· It was confirmed that no issues in relation to fraud or any other irregularities had been identified.
Discussion took place regarding the issue of potential fraud – the Chairman had asked the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) and Group Manager for Financial Services what arrangements were in place this year for fraud detection and prevention. Once he had heard back he would update the committee. In the previous financial year an amount of money had been spent to bring in some external expertise to ensure this area was reviewed in depth. It had been concluded that this had been money well spent. Staff were encouraged to be very aware of the potential for fraud, however, fraudsters were very clever and the external expertise had and would prove very helpful to the Council. It was AGREED that the committee receive a presentation from the Counter Fraud Manager providing further information and assurances in due course.
Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.