Mr David Dobbs, Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud and Risk, introduced the report and stated that the Internal Audit Plan and Charter for financial year 2024 -25 was attached to the report for the Committee to review and agree.

He said the Audit plan appended at appendix 1 provided an explanation of the methodology used and listed the planned audits for 2024/25 at page 25 of the agenda. Planned school audits were listed on page 27. He said he had taken on board the suggestions made by the Committee last year and had consulted a wide range of stakeholders including the Senior Leadership Team.

In response to comments and questions the following was noted:

·       Mr Dobbs said the range and quantity of planned audits was deliverable by the team and said various stakeholders include the Institute of Internal Auditors had been consulted.

·       Councillor Blake asked if the two audits highlighted at the January 2024 meeting – ‘Management of Lettings’ and ‘Management of Markets – Follow up’ were to be brought back to the Committee. Mr Dobbs replied they would be brought to the Committee if they achieved a ‘limited assurance report’. He said he was happy to make available to the Committee the full reports of any audits, members were interested in.

The Audit Committee RESOLVED to:

1.    Agree the Internal Audit plan and Charter for 2024-25 attached at Appendix A.