Mr David Dobbs, Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud and Risk stated the report updated members on the progress made against the delivery of the 2023-24 Annual Internal Audit Plan and an update on investigations activity, fraud prevention and anti-fraud work. Mr Dobbs said the report also highlighted any significant issues and concerns since the last update to the Audit Committee in July 2023. Members of the Committee heard from Officers, who had received ‘limited assurance’ reports.

In response to comments and questions from members the following was noted:

·       The Internal Audit team had two vacancies for auditors. One position had been recruited to, with an apprentice filling the role and the other was appointed to subject to pre-employment checks.

·       In reference to pages 95-96, Councillor Kabir Ahmed stated the Directorates had changed. Mr Dobbs said the report was looking back to a time before the changes to the corporate structure had been made.

·       Referring to the limited assurance report on the management of DBS checks, Ms Webster said it was alarming checks had not been undertaken, especially when it involved social workers working with youngsters and children. Ms Pat Chen, Head of Human Resources, Workforce, OD and Business Support stated that whilst this was regrettable, controls had been put in place that staff requiring a DBS check are annually reviewed. She said they were looking to purchase software to automate and manage the process better, with the onus being on the individual to renew their DBS check.

·       In reference to the limited assurance report on ‘Cost-of-Living Payments’ Councillor Bustin asked what assurances could be given, that fraud did not occur, and the monies went to the people who needed it most. In response Ms Ellie Kershaw, Director for Integrated Growth and Development said they had leant lessons from the exercise last year and had through the recommendations made by internal audit reviewed how they would be processing payments in future.

The Audit Committee RESOLVED to:

1.    Note the contents of the report and the overall progress made and the assurance opinions for the audits carried out as part of the 2023-24 Audit Plan.