Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Internal Audit, Performance & Risk Manager presented the findings of the annual internal assessment of conformance with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS).  This, together with the external assessment undertaken for 2016/17 demonstrated that the Council continued to comply with the standards in all significant areas and operated independently and objectively.  The next external assessment was due to be undertaken in May 2022 through a peer review process.  It was confirmed that all actions arising from the previous assessment had been implemented.

Sally Ellis welcomed the various workforce development actions to improve service resilience.  In response to questions, the Internal Audit, Performance & Risk Manager provided a brief update on her roles with Test, Trace & Protect, Performance and Risk Management and Central Despatch, and shared details of forthcoming commissioned audit work on Ransomware Attacks and the review of ICT governance arrangements.  She gave assurance of continued direct access to the Chief Executive with regular discussions taking place on delivering the Audit Plan.  Her comments were endorsed by the Chairman.

In response to a query, Allan Rainford was informed that feedback was captured in post-audit client questionnaires on which performance was included in the Internal Audit Progress Reports and the Annual Report.

The recommendation was moved and seconded by Allan Rainford and Sally Ellis.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.