It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Liberal Democrat Group, the membership of the Committee had been amended for this meeting by including Councillor Pountney instead of Councillor Stringer.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 22 January 2014.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 22 January 2014 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To note the update report.

Members noted a report that provided an update on progress made by Grant Thornton in delivering their responsibilities as external auditors.  The report also included summaries of emerging national issues and developments.  Members paid particular attention to a publication titled ‘2016 tipping point? Challenging the current’ and challenged whether indicators within service units could be a pre-curser to a financial ‘tipping point’.

To consider the report setting out the Internal Audit Plan for 2014-15.

Members considered a report that proposed the internal audit plan for 2014-15.  Members were advised that the internal audit plan had been designed to be reactive and proactive to risks that may have been identified.

Members noted that Adult Social Care was audited by Audit South West and not Devon Audit Partnership.  Members challenged how they as the Audit Committee received assurance on the controls in place when Audit South West reported to a different organisation.  Members were advised that the Director Adult Social Services would receive written confirmation of Audit South West’s opinion, however the Executive Head for Finance would try to obtain a copy of such assurance and any associated report for Members information.

Resolved:

That the Internal Audit Report 2014-15 be approved.

To note the report that sets out the Internal Audit Charter.

The Committee noted the report on the Internal Audit Charter and were reassured that the charter provided the Internal Audit Service with the power and authority it needed to perform the required duties.

To note the report.

Members were advised that officers continued to monitor the strategic risks that have been identified with an online training manual for staff being progressed.

Members were still concerned at the lack of assurance that they received from the report and requested a meeting be arranged with the Group Manager for Business Services, the Head of Devon Audit Partnership, Councillor Tyerman and Councillor Stocks.  It was hoped that the meeting would result in a reporting method that would enable Members to gain confidence that the strategic risks were being properly considered.