Issue - meetings

To receive and approve the contents of the Internal Audit Strategy and the Internal Audit Plan for 2026/2027, to approve it, and support Internal Audit in its undertakings.

DECISION:

·        To accept and approve the contents of the Internal Audit Strategy and the Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27, to be approved, and support Internal Audit in its undertakings.

An Internal Audit Strategy was submitted, in accordance with the requirements of the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), which was a means of ensuring that the internal audit chief executive developed and implemented the strategy for internal audit functions that supported the organisation's strategic objectives and success. It was explained that the Internal Audit Strategy had been developed to align the key priorities, objectives and strategic risks facing the Council to complement the work of the internal audit function over the next three years. It was considered that this would provide strategic direction for the internal audit function and support the Council in its approach to achieving its key objectives and allocate internal audit resources appropriately.

Along with the Strategy, and again in line with the requirements of the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), an Internal Audit Plan had been submitted which again was a means of ensuring that the audit chief executive created an internal audit plan that supported the achievement of the organisation's objectives. It was explained that the Plan was based on an assessment of the Council's strategies, objectives and corporate risk register and that an annual report would need to be produced, including the annual report on governance, risk management and controls, and internal audit performance against its objectives. (The Code) 

For internal audit to remain relevant, it was noted that expectations must be amended to ensure that it continued to be in line with the Council's objectives. It was reiterated that the Internal Audit Strategy played an important role in achieving a balance between cost and value, making meaningful contributions to the Council's overall governance, risk management, and internal controls.

The members thanked the officer for the report

RESOLVED:

·        To accept and approve the contents of the Internal Audit Strategy and the Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27, to be approved, and support Internal Audit in its undertakings.