To receive a report from the Internal Audit Team Leader summarising the options MDDC has for Internal Audit provision going forwards.
Minutes:
The Committee had before it a report * from the Internal Audit Team Leader summarising the options the Council had for Internal Audit provision going forwards.
It was explained that as a result of changes made in other areas of the service the Leadership Team had decided that the present Internal Audit Team Leader was the best person to take on the responsibility for Governance reporting within the Council. As a result of this there was not only too much work for one person to do but there were potential impairments to the Internal Audit Team Leader’s independence which was a fundamental requirement of the Public Sector Internal Auditing Standards hence there had been a need to consider alternative approaches to service provision to determine the most efficient option and also the best value for money. The options available to the Council were outlined within the report. The two Internal Auditors within the team had been invited to attend the meeting to take part in the discussion.
Discussion took place regarding:
· The Internal Auditors’ views on the different options.
· Whether or not going out to tender was a viable option and whether other providers not hitherto considered could provide similar terms and conditions to the Council.
· The need to consider what would deliver the best outcomes both for the Council and for the employees.
· Access to a wider pool of auditors could give access to a wider range of specialisms.
The Committee felt that it was difficult to make a decision without all of the information before them and that a deferral would allow for additional relevant information to be sought prior to being brought back for a decision. It was explained that a decision was not time critical and a delay in a decision was manageable.
RESOLVED that a decision on Internal Audit Options be deferred until the next meeting due to the need for additional information.
(Proposed by Cllr R M Deed and seconded by Cllr Mrs J B Binks)
Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.
Supporting documents: