Issue - meetings

This report summarises the work of Internal Audit for the period 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015, identifying the main themes arising from the audit reviews and the implications for the County Council. 

Declarations of interest:

None

Witnesses:

Sue Lewry-Jones, Chief Internal Auditor

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.    The Chief Internal Auditor introduced the report which summarises the work of Internal Audit over the previous year.

2.    In relation to the audit findings for Highways, Members gave examples of poor communication and an article from the 28 May 2015 edition of the Camberley & Sandhurst News & Mail entitled ‘Hospital Roadworks Delay’ was tabled which exemplified some of the problems.  It highlighted a series of issues which had delayed roadworks after cones and fencing was set up and a lack of communication with councillors.  The Chief Internal Auditor stated that she would feed any examples into an ongoing audit of the permit scheme. 

3.    The Chairman asked if deferred or cancelled audits would be automatically prioritised for the coming year.  The Chief Internal Auditor informed the committee that this was not automatic.  However, Pension Administration and Deputyship would be happening in the first quarter of the new year.  The Chairman requested that the deferred Foster Care audit be prioritised as it was an area of particular interest to the public.  Members also highlighted performance issues regarding foster care placements (Recommendations Tracker ref: A21/15).

4.    In response to a question about whether an investigation into whether an automated solution to recover discounts from Kier MG had been completed, the Chief Internal Auditor agreed to find out and circulate the answer (Recommendations Tracker ref: A22/15).

5.    The Chief Internal Auditor confirmed that the Agency Staff Contract is owned and managed by HR.  The service had been assisted by procurement specialists.  A follow-up audit is being undertaken.

Actions/Further information to note:

      i.        The Foster Care audit to be prioritised for commencement in the new financial year.

     ii.        The Chief Internal Auditor to find out if an investigation into whether an automated solution to recover discounts from Kier MG had been completed and circulate the answer.

RESOLVED:

That the committee NOTES the work undertaken and the performance of Internal Audit in 2014/15.

Committee next steps:

None.