Committee details

The Audit and Governance Committee will be responsible for:

Internal audit activity

·       to approve the terms of reference and strategy for internal audit, and the annual internal audit plan

·       to monitor and review the effectiveness of internal audit to ensure compliance with statutory requirements

·       to consider the head of internal audit’s annual report and opinion, and a summary on internal audit activity and the level of assurance it provides on the council’s corporate governance arrangements

·       to consider specific internal audit reports as requested, and monitor the implementation of agreed management actions.

External audit activity

·       to receive and comment on the external audit plan

·       to consider the external auditor’s annual letter, relevant reports, and the report to those charged with governance

·       to comment on the scope and depth of external audit work and to ensure it gives value for money

·       to monitor the implementation of management actions arising from external audit work.

Regulatory framework

·       To monitor and review the effective development and operation of corporate governance, risk management and internal control, and to receive progress reports as required

·       To oversee the process for production of the annual governance statement (AGS), to review the supporting evidence, and to approve the draft AGS

·       To monitor the development and implementation of the council’s anti-fraud and corruption policy and strategy 

Financial management and accounts

·       To ensure the council’s arrangements for financial management are adequate and effective, and are regularly reviewed

·       To review and approve the annual statement of accounts

·       To consider the external auditor’s report to those charged with governance on issues arising from the audit of the accounts.