URL: https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=9792

Decision Maker: Executive Director Assurance and Public Protection

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Cross Council Assurance Service (CCAS) is a national framework enabling public sector organisations—including local authorities, health bodies, housing providers, and other eligible entities—to access high-quality internal audit and advisory services. CCAS was originally established in 2014 and led by the London Borough of Islington, before ownership transferred to Barnet in April 2020. The framework has grown significantly, with 66 organisations (including 59 local authorities) drawing down services as of 30 September 2025. The current framework, which commenced 1 April 2020 for a four-year term with two optional one-year extensions, is set to end on 31 March 2026. The current framework is a single provider framework and the suppliers appointed to this framework are PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) for Internal Audit, Advisory and Anti-Fraud (Lots 1, 2 and 4) and Mazars for Risk Management (Lot 3). To ensure the Council can continue providing effective internal audit and advisory services beyond 31 March 2026, Cabinet authorised on 5 February 2025 (through approval of the Annual Procurement Forward Plan 2025/26), the procurement of a new CCAS framework to commence by 1 April 2026. Barnet, in consultation with the London Boroughs of Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Waltham Forest, and Southend-on-Sea City Council, is leading this procurement exercise. The new multi-supplier framework will be split into two lots and the successful suppliers to be appointed to the framework are: Lot 1: Internal Audit – Forvis Mazars, KPMG and PwC Lot 2: Advisory Services – Forvis Mazars, KPMG and PwC The initial term is three years (to 31 March 2029), with the option to extend for up to five further years (to 31 March 2034). The framework is designed to maximise flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and innovation, and will be accessible to all UK local authorities and a wide range of public sector bodies. This report seeks authorisation for officers to enter into the new framework agreement, ensuring Barnet and other public sector organisations can continue to benefit from CCAS’s proven model of service delivery. The new framework will support statutory requirements, corporate priorities, and collaborative working, while promoting innovation and best practice across the sector.

Content: The Cross Council Assurance Service (CCAS) is a national framework enabling public sector organisations—including local authorities, health bodies, housing providers, and other eligible entities—to access high-quality internal audit and advisory services. CCAS was originally established in 2014 and led by the London Borough of Islington, before ownership transferred to Barnet in April 2020. The framework has grown significantly, with 66 organisations (including 59 local authorities) drawing down services as of 30 September 2025. The current framework, which commenced 1 April 2020 for a four-year term with two optional one-year extensions, is set to end on 31 March 2026. The current framework is a single provider framework and the suppliers appointed to this framework are PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) for Internal Audit, Advisory and Anti-Fraud (Lots 1, 2 and 4) and Mazars for Risk Management (Lot 3). To ensure the Council can continue providing effective internal audit and advisory services beyond 31 March 2026, Cabinet authorised on 5 February 2025 (through approval of the Annual Procurement Forward Plan 2025/26), the procurement of a new CCAS framework to commence by 1 April 2026. Barnet, in consultation with the London Boroughs of Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Waltham Forest, and Southend-on-Sea City Council, is leading this procurement exercise. The new multi-supplier framework will be split into two lots and the successful suppliers to be appointed to the framework are: Lot 1: Internal Audit – Forvis Mazars, KPMG and PwC Lot 2: Advisory Services – Forvis Mazars, KPMG and PwC The initial term is three years (to 31 March 2029), with the option to extend for up to five further years (to 31 March 2034). The framework is designed to maximise flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and innovation, and will be accessible to all UK local authorities and a wide range of public sector bodies. This report seeks authorisation for officers to enter into the new framework agreement, ensuring Barnet and other public sector organisations can continue to benefit from CCAS’s proven model of service delivery. The new framework will support statutory requirements, corporate priorities, and collaborative working, while promoting innovation and best practice across the sector.

Date of Decision: December 23, 2025