Audit Partnership All Adds Up

Somerset councils are showing the way to work together following Somerset County Councilís decision to join the South West Audit Partnership. The arrangement is unique in England, and is the first time all councils within one county have unified their internal auditing service.

From 1 October Somerset County Councilís internal auditors will join the South West Audit Partnership, the organisation currently providing internal audit services to all the five Districts Councils in Somerset. The Partnership is run by a board consisting of elected members from each District Council. They will now be joined by Somerset County Council Portfolio Holders, Sam Crabb and Dave Greene, who have responsibility for Resources and Finance.

The move, which will double the size of the partnership, will provide a more effective and efficient audit service, with the potential to expand further into the public sector.

Cllr Sam Crabb, Somerset County Councilís Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: ìWe are pleased to announce the decision to join the South West Audit Partnership. This move demonstrates Somerset County Councilís clear commitment to work more closely with the District Councils.î

Jacky Barnes, Somerset County Councilís Manager for Audit Risk Management & Insurance, said: ìSharing Internal Audit provision between Somerset County Council and the Districts Councils will put the partnership in a strong position to audit the numerous and complex partnership arrangements that are likely to result from the implementation of the Government White Paper, ëStrong and Prosperous Communitiesíî.

Gerry Cox, Head of the South West Audit Partnership and global Chairman of the Institute of Internal Auditors, said: ìWith the inclusion of Somerset County Council, SWAP becomes the only local government internal audit partnership in England to include all councils within one county. We now have a tremendous opportunity to drive up quality, drive down costs and increase efficiency.î