Internal Audit Services

An Internal Audit Service, which provides assurance through examination and evaluation of the adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of the system of internal control and the quality of performance.

The full range of internal audit activities required to be undertaken includes: 5.2.1 The provision of an independent and objective annual audit opinion on the adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of the system of internal control.

5.2.2 The development of an Audit Strategy which is based on an audit needs assessment which has been mapped to the Corporate Risk Register.

5.2.3 The provision of an annual report on the audit programme of the OPFCC & Chief Constables' performance in responding to the agreed annual audit plan and implementing recommendations arising from the internal audit.

5.2.4 The production of timely, accurate and relevant final audit reports throughout the year which can be easily understood, where no ongoing discussion is required to clarify points of contention.

5.2.5 Presenting reports and updates to Members of the Ethics, Transparency and Audit Panel, addressing the results of the audits conducted, summarising observations and recommendations made and OPFCC and Chief Constable's responses to the audit findings.

5.2.6 Liaison with the external auditor to provide robust challenge to the OPFCC and Chief Constable and accordingly, assurance to the Ethics, Transparency and Audit Panel.

5.2.7 Assisting the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable in establishing effective systems and controls through risk assessment and risk management.

5.2.8 Offering advice and other services as required to improve the OPCC and the Chief Constable's performance, risk management, internal control and systems.

5.2.9 Providing special reviews requested by ETAP, the OPCC's Chief Finance Officer or the Force's Chief Finance Officer.

5.2.10 Compliance reviews with legal requirements, internal policies and procedures and other appropriate procedures.

5.2.11 Control system reviews to ensure procedures are in place to give management assurance that they are operating correctly.

5.2.12 Fraud prevention/detection reviews.

5.2.13 Security reviews in order to safeguard assets and in conjunction with appropriate departments to verify the existence of such assets.

5.2.14 Reviews of reporting systems to confirm the reliability, integrity and usefulness of financial and operating information.

5.2.15 Reviews of systems under development to ensure that there are adequate controls in place.

5.2.16 Post implementation reviews of new systems, procedures or methods as appropriate.

5.2.17 Value for money/efficiency reviews to evaluate how resources are used.

5.2.18 Operational reviews to evaluate the appropriateness of the services in place.

5.2.19 Management reviews to determine areas where potential weaknesses may need to be addressed.