The Chair introduced his report, compiled in association with the Chief Internal Auditor that informed that to comply with best professional practice the Audit and Risk Management Committee was required to complete an annual evaluation of its role and effectiveness as part of the systems of internal audit. His report informed that the CIPFA publication ‘A Toolkit for Local Authority Audit Committees’ recommended the use of a self-assessment checklist to achieve this task. The Chair informed that the completed checklist and effectiveness evaluation was attached at appendices 1 and 2 to his report.

The Head of Internal Audit informed the Audit and Risk Management Committee of best practice applied in support of the Chair’s report and stated that the overall conclusion in respect of the ARMC Self-Assessment had been that the Committee was functioning well, had met the regulatory requirements and was compliant with the necessary regulations. 

Members questioned the Chair and the Chief Internal Auditor on the relevance of some of the prescribed questions, but noted that the supporting comments provided additional clarity on the actions expected and undertaken to ensure compliance with the CIPFA assessment ‘toolkit’.

Resolved – that the report be noted.