The Chief Internal Auditor presented his report which identified and evaluated the performance of the Internal Audit Service and included details of any issues arising from the actual work undertaken during the period 1 June to 30 September 2023. Appendix 1 of the report outlined items of note, and planned work in Quarter 3 alongside Internal Audit Developments.

Members sought clarity on the actions highlighted in work undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of the Council’s agency workers contract with Matrix. In response to questions, the Chief Internal Auditor reported that the current contract was due to expire in May 2024 and it was therefore important to commence the recommission exercise imminently, however work to consider whether such a contract was the best solution for the Council going forward was required and this would be undertaken in advance of the recommissioning exercise.

Members also raised concerns relating to the reporting arrangements of regeneration schemes. The Chief Internal Auditor confirmed that an exercise was currently being undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of programme governance arrangements within Regeneration systems in operation across the Council and findings would be reported back to the committee.

Resolved – That the report be noted.