Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Governance.

Chris Moister, Director of Governance, presented his report which informs members of proposed restructures to the internal audit team and updates on the progress of the development of the audit plan for 2020/21.

2020 has been particularly challenging.  In addition to planned changes to the shared services being progressed, the unexpected consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic have led to reprioritisation of work to ensure continuity of service delivery.

Covid-19 has had particular impacts for the Internal Audit team. Work which would usually be delivered has been delayed although it is important to note that statutory requirements remain fulfilled.  There has been a change in staffing in Internal Audit limiting both experience and capacity.

The Committee noted the progress of the Annual Governance Statement Action Plan and the proposed audit plan for the year 2020/21.  The audit plan is based on reviewing the actions carried over from last year and a risk based assessment of areas requiring audit.  In addition, the commitments from the AGS are incorporated into the plan.  It is intended to deliver the higher risk audits and report back to Governance Committee with more detail as to the audits to be undertaken this year and the capacity.

Decision: to note the report and that Chorley Council has a strong Governance environment.