Agenda item

The purpose of this report is to inform Members of the Internal Audit reports that have been completed since the last meeting of this Committee in September 2013.

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, highlighting that the follow-up audit of Purchasing Cards had found that the new processes were effective.  She also cited the audit of Blue Badges which was also rated as effective and encouraged Members to read the report as it dispels misconceptions about Blue Badges.  The Chief Internal Auditor went on to say that the Social Care Debt audit had found that major improvement was still needed and that the audit of Children in Care – Heath and Dental Checks had found that the situation had actually deteriorated since the previous audit.

2.    The Chairman informed the Committee that he had spoken at the Select Committee Chairmen’s meeting about the process for Select Committee review of audit reports.  The Chief Internal Auditor tabled a revised process to ensure that Select Committees do consider relevant audit reports (attached as Annex 1).  The process was due to be discussed again with Select Committee Chairmen that afternoon. 

3.    A Member queried whether the process would ensure that Chairmen do take action when required.  It was suggested that all Internal Audit Reports also be copies to the Select Committee Vice-Chairman.  The Chief Internal Auditor reminded the committee that following each meeting she emails all councillors, listing the audit reports considered by the Audit & Governance Committee.  She suggested that she include details of the audit opinion and the number of high priority recommendations for each of those audits (Recommendations Tracker ref: A42/13).  That would alert all Members to areas of possible concern.

4.    Members expressed concern that the follow-up audit of Children in Care – Heath and Dental Checks had found a deterioration in practice.  They pointed out that there had been problems with health and dental checks for several years.  The Chief Internal Auditor brought Members attention to the Management Action Plan progress update which rated actions as green based on information given by the service.  It wasn’t until a full audit test was conducted for the follow-up audit that evidence was found that the situation had deteriorated.  However, she also stated that the issue was concerned with having evidence that checks were taking place rather than that checks are not taking place.  The Chairman agreed to write to the Cabinet Member for Children and Families about the Committee’s concerns, copying in all Councillors and the Chief Executive (Recommendations Tracker ref: A43/13). 

5.    Members discussed where responsibility lies for social care debt and asked the Chief Internal Auditor to confirm.  The Chairman would also write to the Cabinet Members for Adult Social Care about the Social Care Debt audit (Recommendations Tracker ref: A44/13).

Actions/Further Information to be Provided:

      i.        The Chief Internal Auditor to include details of the audit opinion and the number of high priority recommendations for each audit considered by the Audit & Governance Committee in her regular email to all councillors.

     ii.        The Chairman agreed to write to the Cabinet Member for Children and Families about the Committee’s concerns over the audit of Children in Care – Health and Dental Checks, copying in all Councillors and the Chief Executive.

    iii.        The Chairman agreed to write to the Cabinet Members for Adult Social Care about the Social Care Debt audit.

Resolved:

To NOTE the report and take action as set out above.

Next Steps:

None.