Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Interim Section 151 Officer.

The report aims to communicate to all stakeholders the key and recurring issues, risks and subsequent recommendations made from the internal audits of schools undertaken in 2024.

Audit Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer contact John Pearsall on telephone number 0161 474 4033 or email john.pearsall@stockport.gov.uk

The Interim Section 151 Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which aimed to communicate to all stakeholders the key and recurring issues, risks and subsequent recommendations made form the internal audits of schools undertaken in 2024.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         In response to a Member question, the Committee was advised that the report only related to council maintained schools and that there was a different audit process for academies. 

·         It was confirmed that this year’s recommendations and recurring issues form the development of next year’s plan.  The audit team liaise very closely with schools on these matters.

·         Recruitment and retention of governors was not specifically mentioned as a risk but is this recognised as a problem?

·         Members asked how the audit team checked that the recommendations had been carried out?

·         Members questioned whether remote audits are less effective?  In response, Members were advised that 80-90 per cent of schools preferred face to face interaction.

·         How are schools chosen for audit and how many can reasonably be audited?

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.