Issue - meetings

To receive the report and approve the draft Annual Internal Audit Plan for 2021/22 and the Internal Audit Charter.

The Internal Audit Manager gave a summary of the report, which detailed the draft Annual Internal Audit Plan for 2021/22 and the Internal Audit Charter.

She said that the plan was based on a prioritisation of the audit universe using a risk-based methodology; it was focussed on the highest priorities and risks and was intended to add value. There was a heavy focus on cross-cutting reviews as that was where the most risk existed. She said that there was some contingency built into the plan.

The Internal Audit Manager also presented the Internal Audit Charter that was a standard document and a key requirement of compliance.

The Chair referred to the reference in the Charter to the GAP Committee.

In response to a question from Councillor Luck, the Internal Audit Manager said that in moving forward there was no real change in approach but that she was looking to add value.

Councillor Khan said that it was a clear report but that he would like some audit input into the area of contract management relating to grants.

The Internal Audit Manager confirmed that there had been no time allocated in the plan to this area.

Members referred to the earlier discussion about the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Grant in respect of Debden Village Hall. Some views were expressed that this matter should be examined by Internal Audit or referred to Scrutiny Committee. Councillors Driscoll raised a point of order and said that he believed that this matter had already been mentioned and brought up at a Scrutiny Committee meeting. Councillor Foley said that he understood that Scrutiny had brought this matter up but without resolution.

Members supported a review of the system, an understanding as to what had gone wrong in the process as well as lessons to be learned.

The Internal Audit Manager said that she could undertake a review of the Council’s Grants Policy and processes, taking on board the grant in respect of Debden Village Hall.

The Chair asked that Internal Audit looked at this matter quickly and brought it back to GAP Committee.

Members noted the contents of the report and approved the draft Internal Audit Plan for 2021/22 and Internal Audit Charter.