Issue - meetings

To consider a Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (and Section 151 Officer)

The report sets out the progress made by internal audit against the  Risk Based Internal Audit Plan originally approved by the Audit Committee in March 2022.  

Audit Committee is requested to note the contents of the progress report.  

Officer Contact John Pearsall Tel: 0161 474 4033 or Email: john.pearsall@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive (and Section 151 Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the progress made by internal audit against the Risk Based Internal Audit Plan originally approved by the Audit Committee in March 2022.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·    Members expressed some concerns regarding staffing levels within the Audit Team and were advised that the team was now fully staffed.  However, there were broader issues in relation to the workforce more generally.  A number of initiatives were being looked at including recruitment via the apprenticeship scheme.

·    Staff continued to work flexibly and in a hybrid of office and home working.

·    In response to a Member question, the Committee was advised that an internal audit service was provided to Totally Local Company but this had not yet been agreed due to a number of changes taking place within the company.

·    A short discussion took place in relation to the fraud and irregularities panel and the whistleblowing policy and panel.

·    The Committee was advised that a lot of work had been done to ensure that this Council was compliant in relation to data breaches.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.