Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Finance Officer is circulated

Cllr John Brady, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Risk presented a report which updated Cabinet since its 24 May 2011 decision to pursue a negotiated transfer of the Council’s Internal Audit function to the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP).  Cllr Brady explained that meetings including one to ones had been held with affected staff. A further meeting would be held with the unions later that day to resolve any outstanding issues raised by staff.

It was noted that the Audit Committee in considering a report at its meeting on 28 September 2011 had resolved as follows:

      i.        SWAP to continue with due diligence of Wiltshire staffs’ terms and processes noting Audit Committees comments.

    ii.        Council officers to finalise the legal and TUPE documentation.

Cllr Roy While, Chairman of the Audit Committee explained that the Audit Committee had taken time to consider this matter thoroughly which ensured that all those present had had an opportunity to present their views.

Cllr Jon Hubbard expressed reservation over outsourcing such an important function given the size of the authority and its budget.

Resolved:

That Cabinet delegates authority to the Service Director of Finance following consultation with the Service Director, Law and Governance and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Risk to conclude the transfer of the provision of the Internal Audit function to the South West Audit Partnership once all issues are resolved in accordance with the Council’s policy.

Reason for Decision:

This report is to update Cabinet on progress since its May meeting to pursue a negotiated transfer of the Council’s Internal Audit function to the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP). Since the May meeting of Cabinet the Council’s Constitution has changed to allow TUPE of less than 50 staff to be delegated to the appropriate Cabinet Member. Despite this Cabinet have expressed, in a spirit of openness and transparency, a desire for an update to consider Audit Committee comments prior to any decision.