Agenda item

The Committee received a report on the Strategy for Internal Audit 2012/13 – 2014/15. The strategy set out the approach taken by RSM Tenon to develop the Council’s internal audit plan. The report provided Members with a three year strategy and a more detailed plan for 2012/13. It also outlined the role of the Audit Committee in ensuring the focus, delivery and effectiveness of the internal audit plan. Internal auditors had met with senior officers and seven key areas had been discussed.

In the ensuing discussion, it was explained that a report would be made on the delivery of the authority’s £25 million cost improvement plan and the internal auditors would identify areas which were not providing savings, as well as looking at the overall design of programmes. Officers explained that the process for categorising savings was robust and these are reported to Members every month. It was also confirmed that the procedures for the protection of data had been strengthened. This related to the use of the Council’s systems by external providers and disaster recovery plans.

Officers also outlined the action being taken on the auditing of schools and the timetable for this to be carried out. Reports on the outcomes of the these audits would be received at regular intervals by the Committee. The Committee also discussed the policy regarding maintained schools which were not funded directly by the Local Authority, such as Academies. It was explained that these would be subject to an internal audit as most schools buy in Council services and some funds are ‘passported’ through the Council. It was suggested that a copy of the Draft Internal Audit Plan be forwarded to the Slough Schools Forum for information, which was agreed by the Committee.

Resolved – The report be noted and the Draft Internal Audit Plan be forwarded to the Slough Schools Forum for information.