Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Devon Audit Partnership (DF/22/58), attached.

The Committee considered the Report of the Head of Devon Audit Partnership (DF/22/58) outlining the progress made by the Partnership during the year; the ongoing development of arrangements with partners; and the continued high level of customer satisfaction achieved.

Members noted in particular:

·         The outturn position for 2021/22 showing a small financial surplus (£1,200), despite the pandemic and other challenges.

·         The continuing success of the Partnership’s EU grant work.

·         A bid had been submitted to be accepted on the Government of Jersey Framework for provision of internal audit and assurance services.

·         New staff had been employed (including apprentices) to help meet demand, build skills and to ensure business continuity.

·         Customer survey results for 2021/22 remained good with 97% identified as Satisfied.   

It was MOVED by Councillor Loxton, SECONDED by Councillor Finn and

RESOLVED

(a)       that progress made by the Devon Audit Partnership during the 2021/22 financial year be noted.

(b)       that the continued high level of customer satisfaction achieved by the Partnership be noted.

Report of the Head of Devon Audit Partnership (CT/21/62), attached.

The Committee considered the Report of the Head of Devon Audit Partnership (CT/21/62) outlining the progress made by the Partnership during the year; the ongoing development of arrangements with partners; and the continued high level of customer satisfaction achieved.

Members noted:

·        the immense challenge the pandemic brought to the last year, but also how responsive the team has been working with partners during the crisis.

·        customer survey results for 2020/21 remain very good with near 98% satisfied or better. The Head of Devon Audit Partnership uses any feedback which is less positive to identify at an early stage where expectations have not been met and take action accordingly.

·        analysis of internal audit performance for 2020/21 shows that, overall, performance is generally as expected.

·        staff turnover has been higher than in previous years. Members raised concern about a loss of experience to DAP. The Head of Devon Audit Partnership advised that there exists a fairly limited pool of auditors in the area, and it remained an imperative of the business to ‘grow your own’.

·        staff turnover also allows for a re-fresh in ideas and approaches, and a progression of staff within the team.

·        challenge of online staff induction.

·        time saving for staff undertaking audits remotely and the need for less travelling.

·        the retirement of the Deputy Head of Devon Audit Partnership, and the appointment of a new Audit Manager.

It was MOVED by Councillor Loxton, SECONDED by Councillor Roome and

RESOLVED

(a) that progress made by the Devon Audit Partnership during the 2020/21 financial year be noted.

(b) that the continued high level of customer satisfaction achieved by the Partnership be noted.