To consider a report by the Internal Audit and Risk Manager providing performance information regarding the implementation of internal audit actions for the year ending 30th April 2015.
Contact:D Harwood 388115
Minutes:
The Panel received and noted a report by the Internal Audit and Risk Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which provided performance information regarding the implementation of agreed internal audit actions for the year ending 30 April 2015.
Thirteen actions had not been introduced of which two were more than six months late and two were more than one year late. At the request of the Panel the Head of Resources, Corporate Team Manager and Head of Leisure and Health were in attendance at the meeting to provide explanations as to why the internal audit actions relating to their individual service areas remained outstanding.
The Panel expressed a view that it was the responsibility of the Corporate Management Team to ensure that internal audit actions were implemented and, if not, to identify the reasons why. If audit actions had been deemed significant enough to have target deadlines then the actions should have been delivered on time.
The Corporate Team Manager explained that the staff training and development delivered by the LGSS did not currently meet the needs of the staff or of the authority. Once the 2014/15 appraisal process was complete, training needs outside of the LGSS programme would be identified and referred to LGSS in order to update their training programme to reflect the Council’s requirements. The Panel were informed that the action would be completed in July.
In response to questions it was explained that most LGSS clients were not District Councils and training provision was only one element of the service delivered by LGSS. The Council had an allocation of 500 training places that were currently under-used. If LGSS were able to deliver the Council’s training requirements it was expected that there would be a reduction in off-contract spend.
Regarding the National and Local Indicators audit action the Panel were informed that 50% of these had been completed and the action would also be completed in July.
It was explained that LGSS had been tasked with reviewing the Council’s Pay Policy and Flexible Working Policy to resolve the differing rates of overtime and additional hour payments. The action would be completed during 2015/16.
The Head of Resources explained that the once a review of the Council’s property and equipment had been finalised the action would be completed as the assets could be apportioned to the appropriate Head of Service, although the majority would be assigned to one service area.
The Commercial Rents and Estates Management action had been separated into two elements. The Panel were informed that the Uniform system had been assessed and was deemed suitable for recording data on commercial rents and estates. However, additional resource might be required in order to transfer the data from the current system into Uniform.
Regarding the prioritisation of maintenance and repair work to ensure that commercial properties was maintained, the Panel were informed that work at Phoenix Court would be complete by the end of this financial year and the work required at Clifton Road and Levellers Lane would be included in the assessment for the 2016/17 Capital Works Programme.
Regarding the One Leisure Impressions outstanding audit actions, the Head of Leisure and Health explained that there had not been a dedicated Impressions Manager and that interviews were imminent to recruit to this post. Once recruited a review of the Impressions structure and operational matters would be conducted.
The Panel were assured by the Corporate Director (Services) that the Management Team had modified the monitoring of internal audit actions to ensure that the responsible officers were held accountable and that the Panel would begin to realise a different approach over the next few months.
The various changes to the personnel structure at the Council were highlighted by the Panel and in response to a question it was confirmed that the necessary officers were now in post to manage the outstanding audit actions.
The Panel expressed concern that the report was for noting and stated that the outstanding audit actions, along with the Panel’s concern should be highlighted to the Cabinet as the audit actions were significantly overdue. Following discussions it was
RESOLVED
That the Corporate Governance Panel notes the report, and;
RECOMMEND
That the Council note the concerns of the Corporate Governance Panel regarding the number of internal audit actions that are significantly overdue and that the Council recommend to the Cabinet that appropriate action is taken to address these concerns.
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