Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
Cost of Living Support Icon
​

Agenda Item No. 7

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

 

Audit Committee: 27th February 2018

 

Report of the Operational Manager - Audit (as the Head of Audit)

 

Audit Committee - Internal Audit Shared Service Charter 2018/19

 

Purpose of the Report

  1. To present to Members the Council's Internal Audit Shared Service Charter for 2018/19.

Recommendation

  1. THAT Members review, consider and approve the Internal Audit Shared Service Charter for 2018/19 as appended to this report.

Reason for the Recommendation

  1. To keep the Audit Committee informed and to approve the Internal Audit Shared Service Charter for 2018/19 to ensure compliance with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS).

Background

  1. As at the 1st April 2013, the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) came into force and superseded the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice for Internal Auditors.
  2. The PSIAS are applicable to all areas of the United Kingdom public sector and are based on the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditor's (CIIA) International Professional Practices Framework.
  3. The roles of the Audit Committee in relation to Internal Audit are to:
  • Oversee its independence, objectivity, performance and professionalism;
  • Support the effectiveness of the internal audit process; and
  • Promote the effective use of internal audit within the assurance framework.

5.        One of the key actions which demonstrate the Audit Committee's role in this respect is the approval of the Internal Audit Shared Service Charter.  The Audit Committee approved the first Charter at their meeting held on 29th April 2013 and have continued to be part of this process on an annual basis ever since.

Relevant Issues and Options

6.        The PSIAS requires the Head of Audit to review the Charter periodically but final approval resides with the Audit Committee.

7.        The Internal Audit Shared Service Charter for 2018/19 is attached at Appendix A.  It has been reviewed to ensure it continues to reflect the requirements of the PSIAS.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

8.        None as a direct consequence of this report.

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

9.        None directly from this report

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

10.      Provision of an adequate and effective Internal Audit function is a legal requirement under the Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2005 (as amended). The PSIAS replace the Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government in the United Kingdom, last revised in 2006.  In local government in Wales, the PSIAS is mandatory for all principal Local Authorities and other relevant bodies subject to the Accounts and Audit (Wales) (Amended) Regulations 2010.

Crime and Disorder Implications

11.      Pursuing initiatives to prevent, detect and deter crime is encompassed within the terms of reference under which the audit function operates.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

12.      None as a direct consequence of this report.

Corporate/Service Objectives

13.      The work of audit is intended to assist in the achievement of all corporate and service objectives.

Policy Framework and Budget

14.      The proposals in this report are in accordance with the policy framework and budget.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

15.      No further consultation is proposed.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

16.      Corporate Performance and Resources.

Background Papers

None

Contact Officer

Helen Smith - Operational Manager - Audit

Officers Consulted

External Audit - Wales Audit Office

Responsible Officer:

Carys Lord- Head of Finance and Section 151 Officer