Issue - meetings

This report sets out the BCP Assurance Framework which identifies the different sources of assurance received across the Council.

The report also provides details of the proposed 2020/21 Internal Audit Plan approach.

The Head of Audit and Management Assurance presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

To comply with Audit Standards, the report set out the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council Assurance Framework and it was explained that the Framework identified the components which enabled the Council to satisfy itself that identified risks were being managed by adequately designed and effective controls. The Framework identified responsible Directorates against a schedule of assurance sources.

The report also provided details of the proposed 2020/21 Internal Audit Plan approach including detailed allocations of audit plan days against audit activity and comparison with the number of days allocated in the previous financial year. It was noted that the full Audit Plan would be agreed by the Committee at its meeting in April 2020.

The Committee also considered options for carrying out an external assessment and review of the Internal Audit service as required under Public Sector Internal Audit Standards to be undertaken once every five years. Although a range of providers were available, the assessment provided by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (‘CIPFA’) appeared to currently provide the best value for money. The Committee was of the view that assessment by CIPFA would provide a useful assessment alongside the potential for valuable accreditation of the service.

It was noted that the value of the assessment process would be assessed once completed and its benefit reviewed before using it in future years.

RESOLVED

a)    That the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council Assurance Framework be agreed;

b)    That, subject to the full Internal Audit Plan being referred to the Committee at its meeting in April the Internal Audit Plan approach for 2020/21 be agreed in draft;

c)    That an external assessment of the Internal Audit service be undertaken and a review of the process involved be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.

Voting: Unanimous