Issue - meetings

To receive an interim report from the Internal Audit Manager.

The Internal Audit Manager presented her report which summarised the work undertaken by Audit Services during the period April 2019 to early/mid October 2019 and work in progress.  In addition to planned assurance reviews, other work had been undertaken including reactive and proactive advice given to services on risk and control actions.  The counter fraud arrangements with Reigate & Banstead Borough Council had proved effective and resulted in good returns.  A growth bid in relation to this had been secured and a business case submitted. 

The Internal Audit Manager indicated that she would like more involvement in emerging risks to give further insight and value in that area.

In response to a question from the Committee, the Internal Audit Manager spoke of the importance of trying to gain the support of staff and for the audit team to be viewed as being there to help rather than hinder.  She was endeavouring to raise awareness and promote understanding of the role by attending meetings of the Heads of Services. 

Questions were raised about some of the issues in the interim report.  Specific concerns related to the project governance and procurement reports and recommendations.  The Head of Corporate Governance responded to questions about procurement advising that a great deal of improvement work was taking place. He outlined the changes to strategy and operational measures that had taken place since procurement had been under his remit and the reasons the changes were necessary. 

Resolved to note the Interim Internal Audit report.