The Chief Internal Auditor provided an evaluation of the performance of the Internal Audit Section and reported upon issues that had arisen from the audit work undertaken during the monitoring period 1 September to 31 October 2012. Internal Audit had recently introduced a more effective reporting mechanism that summarised audit work completed and identified issues raised on a more timely monthly basis. He commented that as a result of this and following detailed discussions with the Chair it was agreed that it was not appropriate to include a significant amount of duplicate detail in his report and that instead it would in future focus on any items of note arising from audit work conducted, any issues arising that required actions to be taken by Members, performance information related to the Internal Audit Service and, developments being undertaken to improve the effectiveness of the Internal Audit Service.

During the monitoring period, the following items of note were brought to the attention of Members and the outcome of follow up audit work would be the subject of further reports to Committee –

(a)  Metro Catering Income (see minute 39 post)

(b)  Court of Protection

(c)  Adult Social Services Establishments

(d)  Highways Maintenance: Colas Payments

(e)  DASS Personal Budgets (see minute 38 post)

(f)  Information Assurance and Governance

He presented also a detailed Improvement Plan that had been prepared to drive a number of developments and initiatives aimed at increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of systems of internal audit across the Council. He indicated that one of the key actions identified in the Improvement Plan involved the evaluation and consideration of shared arrangements for the delivery of internal audit services. Significant progress had subsequently been made in this area and agreement reached with Liverpool City Council that included a shared Head of the Internal Audit Service.

Resolved – That the report be noted.