Role of Internal Audit

Internal Audit carries out audits and reviews on behalf of the Chief Executive who is the Boards’ Accounting Officer.The primary objective is to provide the Chief Executive with assurance in respect of the adequacy of controls within the board. The branch produces an Annual Report, which summarises the audit activities during the year and a statement as to the adequacy of controls identified during the audits.

Audit Planning

Each year an audit plan is drawn up which details the audits to be carried out during the forthcoming year. The plan reflects the perceived risk associated with each activity undertaken by the Board. All audits are carried out in compliance with recognised auditing standards and those laid down in the Government Internal Audit Manual.

Audit Approach

Internal Audit endeavours to establish a partnership with all auditees, ie a joint arrangement to improve operating practices in the activity under review. Before the commencement of a review, audit staff will discuss the objectives of the audit and the approach that will be taken.

Reporting

At the completion of each audit, a formal report is prepared to record findings, recommendations and conclusions. The report is issued to the relevant management to confirm the accuracy of the report and for them to make a formal response on the audit issues detailed in the report.

Authority

Internal Audit has the right of access to all records, assets, personnel and premises relating to any financial and related transactions of the Board and the authority to obtain such information as it considers necessary to fulfil it responsibilities.

Audit Committee

The board has an ‘Audit Committee’, which is made up of twelve board members. As part of their responsibilities they review the Internal Audit Annual Report and Annual Plan.