Issue - meetings

Report of the Director for Finance and Corporate Services

Mr Dulay presented the Internal Audit Strategy 2023-2026 which focuses on the planned audits due to take place in year one of the new cycle of audits, starting 2023/24. These were provided in Appendix A for the Group to consider.

Mr Dulay explained the plan is set within the context of a multi-year approach to internal audit planning, looking at key risk areas over a three-year audit cycle, adding that the audit programme is kept under continuous review with any areas of significant risk added.

The Group noted that ten audits are planned for 2023/24, covering a number of the Council’s key policies and systems. These include:

·       Main Financial Systems

·       Reconciliations

·       Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium (income)

·       Fleet Management and Air Pollution

·       Fraud Report

·       Governance and Partnership Arrangements

There will also be a follow-up audit of recommendations made in previous years but not yet implemented to ensure that audit recommendations are being complied with by officers.

Mr Dulay advised that there is also the requirement that Councillors understand and approve the role and scope of Internal Audit covered in the Internal audit Charter as stated at Appendix 1 oof the Audit Plan.

In considering the audit plan the Group were asked the following questions:

·       Is the Group satisfied that sufficient assurance is being received within the annual audit plan to monitor the council’s risk effectively?

·       Does the strategy for internal audit cover the Council’s key risks as they are recognised by the Group?

·       Are the areas selected for coverage this coming year appropriate?

Members asked whether Streetwise had successfully been transferred back to the Council’s control, adding that should Streetwise be considered as a risk and therefore an area to be looked at within the internal audit programme. The Director – Finance and Corporate Services explained that Streetwise forms part of the Transformation Programme and would be looked at through the Council’s budget and performance reports at the Corporate Overview Group.

The Group noted that Streetwise had been added to the Corporate Risk Register as an Opportunity Risk and could be added to the internal audit programme in a future financial year.

It was RESOLVED that the Group review and approve:

a)    The Internal Audit Strategy and Plan 2023-2026

b)    The Internal Audit Charter, Appendix 1 of the Internal Audit Strategy and Plan