To agree future service delivery arrangements.

The Chief Financial Officer presented the report on the Change of Internal Audit Provider and stated that now was an appropriate time to replace KPMG as internal audit providers.  A number of alternatives had been looked into, including private sector providers, partnering with other local authorities or having an in house audit team.  Based on market testing it had been decided to join the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP) that had a proven track record and provided quality internal audit services to 12 local authorities.  TUPE will apply and the current internal audit team of three staff will transfer to SWAP, which is a not for profit organisation.

It was stated that as part owners in the organisation there would be an option for the Chief Financial Officer to attend board meetings.  Should the Council decide at a future date to come out of SWAP, the only cost to the Council would be the cost of transferring staff out of SWAP under TUPE.

RESOLVED

          THAT:

a)    the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP) be selected to provide the Council’s internal audit service;

b)    the Chief Financial Officer be given delegated authority to finalise contractual arrangements including a TUPE transfer of staff within the approved annual budget;

c)    the Council join SWAP and become part owners of the local authority owned company at zero cost – subject to approval by the SWAP board; and

d)    the Chief Financial Officer be given delegated authority to be the Council’s representative on the SWAP board and to exercise the Council’s vote at shareholder meetings.

Following the final item on the agenda Councillor Graham Powell informed Cabinet that Superintendent Ivan Powell would be retiring later this year.  Cabinet felt it was appropriate that the Chief Executive and the Leader should write to Superintendent Powell and express their thanks to him for all his help and to emphasise the real difference he had personally made in the County.  It was also agreed that the Leader should write on behalf of the Council to Superintendent Sue Thomas to welcome her into her new position and to looking forward to her taking an active role in the County.