URL: https://democracy.runnymede.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1108

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee received for information a report concerning the External Quality Assessment of the Council’s internal auditors, SIAP.   The Committee was advised that in accordance with the requirements of the Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector, referred to as ‘the Standards’, the Chief Internal Auditor of SIAP had produced a Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme, attached to the Officer’s report.   Members learned that to conform with the Standards, an External Quality Assessment had to take place every five years, performed by an independent and qualified assessor or assessment team.  The current assessment expired on 31 March 2026, and the new one would then last for five years.   The Committee noted the scope of the assessment and the role of the Standards and Audit Committee in that process.   Of the two approaches to meeting the requirements of an External Quality Assessment, SIAP had opted for conducting a Self Assessment with Independent Validation (SAIV), and had chosen JC Audit Training Ltd to provide the external quality assessment.  This was considered to be the most appropriate and proportionate option following a full assessment of the potential providers and their proposals.   The assessment would be likely to take place in November/December 2025, following SIAP’s own self assessment over the summer of 2025.   Members noted that a copy of the external assessor’s report and Action Plan would be presented at a future meeting of the Committee.   Officers were thanked for their report which was duly noted.

Date of Decision: September 23, 2025