To review the progress of audit recommendations implementation.

The head of corporate performance presented the report and highlighted the following:

·        64% of recommendations due in the future (as set out in appendix 2) are either on track to be completed on time, or have already been completed.   

·        The one outstanding external audit recommendation was now completed and would be reported as part of the annual governance statement.

In discussion of the item, it was:

·        Noted that there may be an inconsistency in wording between the internal audit recommendation (property maintenance schools) set out on page 64 of the agenda pack and the corporate risk CRR 50 (school assets) set out on page 80 of the agenda pack.  The head of corporate performance was requested to seek clarification and provide an update to committee members.

·        Queried whether the dates for continuing healthcare and brokers were realistic given Covid-19.  The head of corporate performance confirmed that these dates were provided by the responsible officer but he could continue to challenge about setting appropriate dates.   It was agreed that the director of adults and communities would be invited to the next committee meeting when the corporate risk register was due to be discussed [March 2020].

·        Completion dates were agreed with the relevant manager and SWAP would expect that there would progress to implement recommendations if the completion dates would not be met, especially in connection with priority 1 and 2 recommendations.

·        Savings targets are set by the council when agreeing the budget at the budget setting council meeting.   There is monitoring throughout the year but the targets may be revisited.  Any changes will be dealt with by cabinet or cabinet member.   If there are significant changes, then these would be considered by Council.

·        A briefing for members on Verto was requested as it was noted councillors had not yet had a formal introduction to the system.   It was agreed that this would be considered by the management board.

RESOLVED that

a)     The head of corporate performance request that clarification is provided in connection with the internal audit for property maintenance for schools [page 64 of the agenda pack] and corporate risk register [CRR 50 on page 80 of the agenda pack] as there appears to be an inconsistency between the two sets of narratives.

b)     That the director of adults and wellbeing be invited to the next committee meeting when the corporate risk register is due to be presented.  

c)     Management Board to consider an all members’ briefing session on Verto.