Audit Objectives & Strategy

This abbreviated guide sets out our objectives and strategy and is intended to assist users in understanding the role of internal audit at Torbay Council.

Statutory Framework

Internal Audit is a statutory function with the Council under a duty to maintain an adequate and effective system of internal audit of the Council’s accounting records and control systems (Regulation 6 of the Accounts and Audit regulations 2003 made under Section 27 of the Audit Commission Act 1998).

The Director of Finance is the designated officer with statutory responsibility for the proper administration of the Council’s financial affairs (Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972) and Internal Audit provide a key support mechanism to fulfil this duty.

The Audit & Efficiency Business Unit reports to the Strategic Director for Performance Improvement and has close links with the Director of Finance in line with statutory responsibilities.

Aims & Objectives

The vision of the Internal Audit Service is to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and protect public resources.

Torbay Internal Audit Services aim to assist in improving the efficiency and operations of the organisation in line with corporate values of continuously challenging services and promoting openness, accountability and high standards of risk management, internal control and governance. Our specific objectives include: -

• To provide clear and concise audit reporting to facilitate management assessment of risk and decision making
• To provide timely, accurate, accessible, informative and responsive advice and support to service management
• To promote good practice and continuous challenge
• To promote the efficient and effective use of resources through efficiency and VFM reviews
• To value and develop our staff
• To promote equality of opportunity for all employees
• To promote performance management throughout the Council

Services Provided

“Internal Audit is an assurance function that primarily provides an independent and objective opinion to the organisation on the degree to which the internal control environment supports and promotes the achievement of the organisations objectives. It objectively examines, evaluates and reports on the adequacy of internal control as a contribution to the proper, economic, efficient and effective use of resources”.(Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government in the United Kingdom).

The control environment comprises the organisation’s policies, procedures and operations in place to:

1. establish, and monitor the achievement of, the organisation’s objectives
2. identify, assess and manage the risks to achieving the organisation’s objectives
3. facilitate policy and decision making
4. ensure the economical, effective and efficient use of resources
5. ensure compliance with established policies (including behavioural and ethical expectations), procedures, laws and regulations
6. safeguard the organisation’s assets and interests from losses of all kinds, including those arising from fraud, irregularity or corruption
7. ensure the integrity and reliability of information, accounts and data, including internal and external reporting and accountability processes. It encompasses elements of corporate governance and risk management.

Services provided:

• Statutory Internal Audit of the Council’s systems
• Independent & Objective advice, assurance & consultancy services
• Efficiency and Value For Money Reviews
• Investigation into irregularities & suspected frauds
• Computer and Contract Audit
• Internet and email monitoring and review
• Advice and Support in respect of Risk Management
• Co-ordination & production of Statement of Internal Control
• “Speak Up” The Councils Whistleblowing confidential fraud reporting service (Not Housing Benefit)