Internal Audit Services. Provision of an adequate and effective internal audit function to fulfil the H&GPHA Treasurer’s obligations and needs of management. The service will examine, evaluate and report on the adequacy of internal controls and promote the improvement of these and financial systems. It will also promote the improvement of economy, effectiveness and efficiency of the H&GPHA and aim to prevent fraud and other irregularities. The service provided will: (i) Identify statutory audit work in an audit plan in consultation with appropriate officers within the framework of the strategic audit plan. (ii) Perform internal audit work to a quality, standard and frequency consistent with statutory requirements, in accordance with the Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government in the United Kingdom and to standards acceptable to the H&GPHA External Auditors. (iii) Ensure that processes and staffing is maintained in line with the CIPFA Code of Practice. (iv) Carry out planned audit work by examining, evaluating, reporting and making recommendations on: • The soundness, adequacy, effectiveness and application of internal controls established by management. • The suitability, reliability and accuracy of financial and other management data and information provided. • Safeguarding assets, revenues, expenditure and interests from error, fraud, waste, extravagance, inefficient administration, poor value for money or other loss. • Value for money issue (i.e. the economic, efficient and effective use of resources). (v) Issue an audit report within 2 weeks of completion of each audit identifying findings, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for improved control, operational efficiency and cost savings. (vi) Liaise with the HGPHA external auditor as required. (vii) Complete the relevant section of the Annual Return (Annual Internal Audit Report). (viii) Provision of related services. These additional services may include: • Project based work as a service to management and members on issues of concern. • Assistance with special investigations, particularly in relation to allegations of fraud or other irregularities, including liaison with the Police Authorities and Crown Prosecution Service. Provision of expert witness in matters involving financial loss and provision of audit evidence and exhibits and preparation and submission of claims to the H&GPHA Insurers in respect of losses sustained. • Providing advice and assistance regarding the probity of individual transactions particularly in respect of travel and subsistence claims, the Recruitment Incentive Scheme, Post Entry Training, gifts, hospitality and contract payments. • Provision of advice and training regarding financial control procedures and best practice which may include attendance at Working Parties and Training Seminars, etc. These additional services will be carried out in addition to and not as a replacement for planned Internal Audit work necessary to fulfil the H&GPHA Treasurer’s responsibilities and will be commissioned by the H&GPHA on advice from the Treasurer, subject to the availability of audit resources. In response the officers of the H&GPHA commit to provide an effective service, access to all necessary records, documents, computer facilities and establishments at all reasonable times. Appropriate accommodation, computer time and other facilities will also be provided to allow the Internal Auditor to work effectively and efficiently. H&GPHA officers will be required to provide positive input to the audit plan and advise on where internal audit effort should be directed. All audits will be agreed in writing and Senior Management will need to be available to discuss audit findings and recommendations promptly after the close of each audit assignment. A formal written response to audit reports should be made within two weeks of issue. Proper consideration should be given to audit recommendations and timescales for implementation where recommendations have been agreed which will be recorded in an “Action Plan”. This document will need to be signed by the relevant personnel and returned to the Internal Audit Service. Internal Audit should be informed immediately of any circumstance which may suggest the possibility of irregularity or when situations arise where Internal Audit may be required to conduct additional audits or investigations. The charge for this service is £4,710 (exclusive of VAT) for 2018/19, increasing to £4,850 for 2019/20 and £4,995 for 2020/21. The officer to contact in relation to the provision of this service is –
Appears in 1 contract
Internal Audit Services. Provision of an adequate and effective internal audit function to fulfil the H&GPHA Treasurer’s obligations and needs of management. The service will examine, evaluate and report on the adequacy of internal controls and promote the improvement of these and financial systems. It will also promote the improvement of economy, effectiveness and efficiency of the H&GPHA and aim to prevent fraud and other irregularities. The service provided will:
(i) Identify statutory audit work in an audit plan in consultation with appropriate officers within the framework of the strategic audit plan.
(ii) Perform internal audit work to a quality, standard and frequency consistent with statutory requirements, in accordance with the Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government in the United Kingdom and to standards acceptable to the H&GPHA External Auditors.
(iii) Ensure that processes and staffing is maintained in line with the CIPFA Code of Practice.
(iv) Carry out planned audit work by examining, evaluating, reporting and making recommendations on: • The soundness, adequacy, effectiveness and application of internal controls established by management. • The suitability, reliability and accuracy of financial and other management data and information provided. • Safeguarding assets, revenues, expenditure and interests from error, fraud, waste, extravagance, inefficient administration, poor value for money or other loss. • Value for money issue (i.e. the economic, efficient and effective use of resources).
(v) Issue an audit report within 2 weeks of completion of each audit identifying findings, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for improved control, operational efficiency and cost savings.
(vi) Liaise with the HGPHA external auditor as required.
(vii) Complete the relevant section of the Annual Return (Annual Internal Audit Report).
(viii) Provision of related services. These additional services may include: • Project based work as a service to management and members on issues of concern. • Assistance with special investigations, particularly in relation to allegations of fraud or other irregularities, including liaison with the Police Authorities and Crown Prosecution Service. Provision of expert witness in matters involving financial loss and provision of audit evidence and exhibits and preparation and submission of claims to the H&GPHA Insurers in respect of losses sustained. • Providing advice and assistance regarding the probity of individual transactions particularly in respect of travel and subsistence claims, the Recruitment Incentive Scheme, Post Entry Training, gifts, hospitality and contract payments. • Provision of advice and training regarding financial control procedures and best practice which may include attendance at Working Parties and Training Seminars, etc. These additional services will be carried out in addition to and not as a replacement for planned Internal Audit work necessary to fulfil the H&GPHA Treasurer’s responsibilities and will be commissioned by the H&GPHA on advice from the Treasurer, subject to the availability of audit resources. In response the officers of the H&GPHA commit to provide an effective service, access to all necessary records, documents, computer facilities and establishments at all reasonable times. Appropriate accommodation, computer time and other facilities will also be provided to allow the Internal Auditor to work effectively and efficiently. H&GPHA officers will be required to provide positive input to the audit plan and advise on where internal audit effort should be directed. All audits will be agreed in writing and Senior Management will need to be available to discuss audit findings and recommendations promptly after the close of each audit assignment. A formal written response to audit reports should be made within two weeks of issue. Proper consideration should be given to audit recommendations and timescales for implementation where recommendations have been agreed which will be recorded in an “Action Plan”. This document will need to be signed by the relevant personnel and returned to the Internal Audit Service. Internal Audit should be informed immediately of any circumstance which may suggest the possibility of irregularity or when situations arise where Internal Audit may be required to conduct additional audits or investigations. The charge for this service is £4,710 4,575 (exclusive of VAT) for 2018/19, increasing to £4,850 for 2019/20 and £4,995 for 2020/21each year. The officer to contact in relation to the provision of this service is –
Appears in 1 contract