Decision details

The Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services provided Members with details of a proposal for the Council’s Internal Audit Service to join an existing Regional Internal Audit Shared Service (RIASS) hosted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.  Members were advised that such collaboration would reinforce business resilience, further enhance the range of audit expertise available to the Council and support the delivery of a more efficient service. 

The Group Director provided assurance to Members that if the proposal was taken forward the internal audit functions in place for both Rhondda Cynon Taf and the RIASS were sound. Furthermore, he added that based on the outcomes delivered by the RIASS to date, it is considered that there would be additional business benefits for Rhondda Cynon Taf if it were to become part of a regional service

Members were provided further details of the arrangements to be taken forward if the proposal was accepted with details surrounding partnership agreements, governance, staffing and Audit Committee all being detailed to Members.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services spoke of the benefits of the proposal and welcomed the key principle underpinning the proposal that all existing employees would be transferred to the new RIASS on current grades and terms and conditions.  The Cabinet Member also referenced the small financial saving of £25k that potentially would be delivered in the first full year of operation.

The Deputy Leader spoke of the importance of the Internal Audit function and the Council’s Audit Committee, and welcomed Audit Committees oversight of the implementation arrangements if taken forward.  Again the member referenced the positive collaboration on a regional basis and the sensible and commercial approach to the audit function being taken forward.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.   To approve the proposal for the Council’s Internal Audit Service to join the existing RIASS in place between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Bridgend County Borough Council.

2.   To authorise the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and the appropriate Cabinet Member, to make the necessary arrangements under delegated authority for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to become part of the RIASS, including updating the existing Partnership Agreement in accordance with Section 101 / 102 of the Local Government Act 1972.

3.   To refer the report to Audit Committee and for Audit Committee to oversee the required implementation arrangements during 2018/19.

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