Committee details

Part 3B Paragraph 2.7 of the Constitution

Role and Function

2.7.9   The Audit and Governance Committee will be responsible for:

External Audit Activity:

2.7.9.1            To receive and comment on the external audit plan;

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

2.7.9.3            To monitor accounting policies and any changes made during the year;

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

2.7.9.5            To monitor the implementation of management actions arising from external audit work.

Internal Audit Activity:

2.7.9.6            To approve the terms of reference and strategy for internal audit, and the annual internal audit plan and subsequent changes thereto;

2.7.9.7            To monitor and review the effectiveness of internal audit to ensure compliance with statutory requirements;

2.7.9.8            To consider the annual report, opinion, and summary on internal audit activity and the level of assurance it provides on the Council’s corporate governance arrangements;

2.7.9.9            To consider specific internal audit reports as requested, and receive details where it is proposed not to accept internal audit recommendations, and monitor the implementation of agreed management actions.

Regulatory Framework:

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

2.7.9.11          To oversee the process for production of the annual governance statement (AGS), to review the supporting evidence including the arrangements for governance of partnership working, and to approve the AGS;

2.7.9.12          To monitor the development and implementation of the Council’s anti-fraud, bribery and corruption policy, anti-money laundering policy, and anti-tax evasion policy,

Financial Management and Accounts:

2.7.9.13          To ensure the Council’s arrangements for financial management are adequate and effective, and, together with its accounting policies, are regularly reviewed;

2.7.9.14          To review and approve the annual statement of accounts;

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