Committee details

The Audit Committee has the following responsibilities:-

Audit Activity

(i) Consider, review and monitor the internal audit strategy, strategic and operational plans
(ii) Consider specific internal audit reports (summary / full reports) as requested
(iii) Monitor the actions taken in response to internal audit recommendations
(iv) Consider reports dealing with the management and performance of the internal audit service
(v) Receive the annual report from the Head of Internal Audit setting out internal audit activity during the year and an opinion on the level of assurance as to
the Council’s corporate governance and internal control arrangements
(vi) Comment on the planned external audit activity and coverage, including the proposed fees, to ensure it gives value for money
(vii) Consider specific reports from the external auditor
(viii) Monitor the actions taken in response to external audit recommendations
(ix) Consider the external auditor’s annual letter, relevant reports and the ‘report to those charged with governance’
(x) Monitor the relationship and co-operation between the internal and external audit functions
(xi) Commission work from internal and external audit if considered necessary

Regulatory Framework

(i) Evaluate the adequacy of the application of the local code of corporate governance, including updates on improvement actions, levels of training and
awareness and compliance with codes of conduct
(ii) Review and approve for adoption, the annual Statement of Internal Control and monitor the actions taken to address the issues raised in the Statement
(iii) Monitor the effective development and operation of risk management strategies and policies, reviewing the corporate risk register and associated
arrangements and action plans
(iv) Review the adequacy of the anti-fraud and corruption policies and strategies, and the effectiveness of the relevant processes and their application,
including the arrangements for dealing with suspected or actual wrongdoing
(v) Review any relevant issue referred by the Chief Executive, Corporate Directors, the Executive, Scrutiny Committees or any other council body

Accounts

(i) Review and approval of the annual statement of accounts and related matters, considering whether appropriate accounting policies have been followed
and whether there are any concerns arising from the financial statements or from the audit that need to be brought to the attention of the Council
(ii) Receive and consider the external auditor’s report and statement
(iii) Monitor the action taken in response to the issues raised in the auditor’s report

Use of Resources

(i) Consider the annual CPA Use of Resources assessment
(ii) Review the associated improvement and action plan covering the issues raised in the assessment
(iii) Review the arrangements for securing value for money in the use of resources and service delivery

The Committee is composed of 6 Councillors appointed by the Annual Council Meeting.