“There’s never been a time when it’s been more important to be clear about governance and about the risks that our local authorities face.”
So says Richard Harbord, former local authority chief executive and section 151 officer, veteran audit committee member and now host for Room151’s inaugural Audit Committee Masterclass.
With councils still coping with the after effects of austerity and fall out from the pandemic financial crisis never seems far from the headlines. A number of councils have posted section 114 notices, or applied for central government help through “capitalisation directions”, making financial accountability and governance key issues.
Room151’s Audit Committee Masterclass
3 & 10 December, 2021
with Richard Harbord
Explore best practice and supporting the work of officers
REGISTER HERE.
The two-day Masterclass aims to introduce participants to the work of audit committees and illuminate the importance of their work at the heart of local authorities.
“The audit committee is unique because it is the central committee of the authority,” says Harbord. “The section 151 officer should always be present and often the chief executive is present too.
“The committee has the power to call before it anybody in the authority to be held to account. So, if there’s an indifferent audit report council managers can be called before the committee to explain what they’re doing to put things right.
“From that point of view it is central to the operation of a local authority and extremely important.”
On day one the course will provide an introduction to the audit committee, it’s work and its position in the functioning of a local authority.
The second day will delve into more detail exploring the kind of reports an audit committee will receive and the actions that can be taken. The course will also consider a number of case studies.
“Often, in local authorities, internal audit reports are considered a bit of a nuisance and the auditors’ recommendations not thought urgent,” says Harbord.
“But the audit committee is there to ensure that things are put right and in a timely fashion.
“From the point of view of financial probity and governance, the audit committee is absolutely critical.”
To read more and register for Room151’s Audit Committee Masterclass, click here.
