Issue - meetings

This report details progress made on delivery of the 2020/21 Audit Plan for the period July to September (inclusive) 2020.  The report highlights that:

·       Eight audit assignments have been completed (with the following summary opinions - one ‘Substantial’, six ‘Reasonable’ and one Consultancy Review);

·       Twenty-two audit assignments are in progress;

·       Implementation of audit recommendations is satisfactory.

Internal Audit have completed their support of COVID 19 grant verification work.

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 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

To provide assurance about the effective management of corporate risks, the report detailed progress made on delivery of the 2020/21 Audit Plan for the period July to September (inclusive) of 2020. 

The Committee was advised that eight audit assignments had been completed during the reporting period including one ‘Substantial’ and six ‘Reasonable’ summary opinions and one Consultancy Review. 

Twenty-two audit assignments were reported to be in progress and implementation of audit recommendations was satisfactory.

This work had been achieved within the context of the pandemic although assurances were provided that, notwithstanding this, all instances or allegations of fraud, theft or financial wrongdoing had continued to be thoroughly investigated.

For six weeks during the period, the entirety of the Internal Audit team had been re-tasked to undertake verification work in association with the COVID 19 discretionary grant process although this work was now completed.

The Committee was also referred to the recently published ‘Redmond Report’ into the oversight of local audit and transparency of financial reporting and a link to the report and its recommendations had ben set out in the agenda.

RESOLVED that Audit & Governance Committee note progress made and issues arising on the delivery of the 2020/21 Internal Audit Plan.

Voting: Unanimous.