Councils’ shared audit service is first for Wales

Published 09 January 2012

Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend County Borough councils have become the first local authorities in Wales to implement a shared internal audit service.

The initiative is part of a joint working programme that will see the two councils working together in a number of areas. The programme was established in 2010 when each authority signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ that outlined its commitment to a number of joint projects. A joint internal audit team is the first service to be delivered as part of this scheme.

Alan Jenkins, project manager, Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “Shared auditing is just one example of how we are working with Bridgend to challenge traditional methods of delivering our services. In total, there are in excess of 16 live projects across the services of both councils that aim to deliver savings or enhance services to residents. These new ways of working are a necessary response to the challenging financial climate we all find ourselves in.”

The new shared internal audit service provides a number of benefits, including savings in management costs, a larger pool of resources, savings in accommodation and travel allowances, increased availability of specialist audit resources and also enhanced opportunities for career progression within the service.

David MacGregor, assistant chief executive, Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “Bringing our services together in this way will help make us be more efficient and act as a blueprint for other joint working initiatives”.

Other joint working projects being developed by the two authorities include areas such as civil parking enforcement and trading standards.