Issue - meetings

That the updated Internal Audit Charter be approved.

The Internal Audit Manager presented a report to consider the outcome of the latest review of the Charter in order to meet legal and regulatory requirements.  The changes also reflected arrangements to ensure the independence and objectivity of the Internal Audit team and arrangements to limits of impairment should the Internal Audit Manager undertake other operational responsibilities within the Council.

In response to a question from Sally Ellis, the Internal Audit Manager provided information on her current responsibilities on the Test, Trace & Protect (TTP) service and shared examples of operational duties undertaken by her team to support the Council during the emergency situation.

The Chief Executive gave assurance that use of corporate capacity during the emergency did not compromise the integrity of Internal Audit.  He and Councillor Roberts both paid tribute to the Internal Audit Manager and her team for their work during the emergency situation, in particular her lead role for the TTP service.

Allan Rainford welcomed the clarity on arrangements on the independence of Internal Audit and was reassured by explanations on the work being undertaken by the team in response to the emergency situation.

In response to a question from Councillor Johnson, the Internal Audit Manager provided information on the training programme which was an important element of the Internal Audit service.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Johnson and seconded by Sally Ellis.

RESOLVED:

That the updated Internal Audit Charter be approved.