Democracy Spraffa

Agenda Document Pack - Audit and Risk Committee - 17/09/2025

Perth and Kinross Council · 17 September 2025
Back to Audit and Risk Committee — 17 September 2025 and its agenda

Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.

Original council PDF · Download plain text

Page 1

Ambition | Compassion | Integrity 
Our vision is for 
a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well,
free from poverty and inequality 
Council Building
2 High Street
Perth
PH1 5PH 
11/09/2025 
A hybrid meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee will be held in the Council
Chamber on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at 13:00. 
If you have any queries please contact Democratic Services on (01738) 475000 or
email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. 
THOMAS GLEN
Chief Executive      
Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on
their device and other devices are in silent mode. 
Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded.  The recording will
be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. 
Members:
Councillor David Illingworth  (Convener)
Councillor Bob Brawn  (Vice-Convener)
Councillor Liz Barrett
Councillor Ken Harvey
Councillor Iain MacPherson
Councillor Colin Stewart
Councillor Grant Stewart 
Page 1 of 48

Page 2

Page 2 of 48

Page 3

Audit and Risk Committee 
Wednesday, 17 September 2025 
AGENDA 
Members are reminded of their obligation to declare any financial or non-financial
interest which they may have in any item on this agenda in accordance with the
councillors’ code of conduct. 
1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES   
2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST   
3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE
OF 25 JUNE 2025 FOR APPROVAL
(copy herewith) 
5 - 10 
4 BEST VALUE THEMATIC MANAGEMENT REPORT
SEPTEMBER 2025 – TRANSFORMATION & CHANGE
PROGRAMME
Report by Strategic Lead (Projects & Programmes) (copy herewith
25/236) 
11 - 40 
5 INTERNAL AUDIT UPDATE
Report by Chief Internal Officer (copy herewith 25/237) 
41 - 44 
6 INTERNAL AUDIT FOLLOW-UP
Report by Chief Internal Auditor (copy herewith 25/238) 
45 - 48 
It is recommended that the public and press should be excluded during
consideration of the following item(s) in order to avoid the disclosure of
information which is exempt in terms of Schedule 7A to the Local Government
(Scotland) Act 1973 
P1  INTERNAL AUDIT FOLLOW-UP - APPENDIX 2
• Exempt Reason 6 - Information relating to the financial or
business affairs of any particular person (other than the
authority).
• Exempt Reason 14 - Any action taken or to be taken in
connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of
crime. 
Page 3 of 48

Page 4

Page 4 of 48

Page 5

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE 
Minute of hybrid meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee held in the Council
Chambers on Monday 25 June 2025 at 9.30am. 
Present: Councillors D Illingworth, L Barrett, J Duff (Substituting for Councillor A
Chan), K Harvey, I MacPherson, G Stewart, and C Stewart. 
In Attendance: S Walker, Strategic Lead – Finance and Business Support; G Boland;
Strategic Lead – Strategic Planning, People and Performance; A O’Brien and J
Salisbury (both Finance and Business Support); L Dott and L Potter (Strategic
Planning, People and Performance); and J Clark, S Hendry, K Molley, M Pasternak
and R Ramsay (all Legal and Governance). 
Apology: Councillor A Chan 
Also in Attendance: P Bryan (Audit Scotland). 
Councillor D Illingworth, Convener, Presiding. 
1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES/SUBSTITUTIONS 
The Convener welcomed everyone to the meeting and an apology was noted
as above. 
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 
There were no declarations of interest made in terms of the Councillors’ Code
of Conduct. 
3. MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE OF 24
MARCH 2025 FOR APPROVAL 
The minute of meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee of 24 March 2025
was submitted and approved as a correct record. 
4. DRAFT UNAUDITED 2024-25 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 
There was submitted a report by Chief Finance Officer (25/163) presenting the
Council’s draft unaudited 2024/25 Annual Accounts in accordance with the
Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014. 
Councillor L Barrett suggested that it would be beneficial to add an
explanation of the Improvement Service to the document. Councillor L Barrett
also referred to the community engagements taking place all supported by the
Improvement Service and asked for it to be made clear whether it was the
Scottish Government or internal.   
Councillor L Barrett referred to the performance management and
performance summary and queried why there had been no changes made to
3
Page 5 of 48

Page 6

the audited accounts from last year. Councillor L Barrett also commented on
the key areas of improvement and how it does not relate to the KPI trend
overview and asked if the links could be made clearer. S Walker confirmed
that the comparative data would not be made available until later in the year
and confirmed that the audited accounts would have 24/25 Council data as
well as comparisons included.  L Dott confirmed that the Annual Performance
Report contained further data around specific KPI’s and improvement actions. 
L Dott advised that the comments would be taken on board and incorporated
into the audited accounts. 
Councillor L Barrett referred to the Community Investment Fund and queried
why there had not been a reference made to the Green Living Fund which had
also made a significant difference to communities. S Walker confirmed that
once the 2024/25 information had been made available, a reference to the
Green Living Fund would be included. 
Councillor L Barrett referred to ‘the doubling of revenue grant contributions
and donations that are yet to be recognised as income as they have
conditions attached to them that will require the monies or property to be
returned’ and queried why the Council would not be able to make use of them.
A O’Brien confirmed that those monies are grants received from the Scottish
or UK Government with the intent for specific projects with specific time
periods. A O’Brien added that at the end of the financial year, judgments are
made whether the conditions of the grant have been met. 
Councillor L Barrett referred to note 36 and queried if the process of the
Council purchasing Pullar House should be included. S Walker confirmed that
he would add further information to advise that there was an ongoing process
following the Council decision. 
Members thanked the Finance Team for their work in preparing the unaudited
accounts. 
Resolved:
(i) The contents of Report 25/163, be noted.
(ii) The Chief Financial Officer be authorised to sign the Unaudited 2024-25
Annual Accounts, subject to the changes mentioned above. 
(iii) It be noted that the Audited 2024/25 Annual Accounts brought to the Audit and
Risk Committee on 1 December 2025. 
5. INTERNAL AUDIT FOLLOW-UP 
There was submitted a report by Chief Internal Auditor (25/164) presenting the
current summary of Internal Audit’s ‘follow up’ work relating to actions due for
completion up to April 2025. 
Resolved:
The contents of Reports 25/164, be noted.
Page 6 of 48

Page 7

6. INTERNAL AUDIT UPDATE 
There was submitted a report by Chief Internal Auditor (25/165) presenting a
summary of Internal Audit’s work undertaken as part of the Internal Audit
Plans for 2023/24 and 2024/25. 
The Convener referred to the issue of whistleblowers and asked for examples
of what could be involved. J Clark confirmed there had been an increase of
requests from Senior Managers and an increase in disclosures through the
whistleblowing process. J Clark advised that disclosures are varying and
could be around administration or culture and behaviours which require
internal audit to ascertain more of the facts behind the allegations made. J
Clark added that the increase has had an impact on the work of the team but
confirmed that the team welcome whistleblowing disclosures as it highlights
areas of scope for additional assurance. 
Councillor G Stewart referred to the implementation of Mosiac and queried if
there had been contact with the audit team in Dundee to see if they had any
issues with the system. J Clark advised that her overview had been around
the implementation rather than the ongoing application. J Clark confirmed she
would await the outcome from external audit colleagues to see if any
additional work would be required on the system. 
Councillor C Stewart referred to the significant activity being undertaken in
relation to unplanned work and queried what different areas are involved. J
Clark confirmed that unplanned work would often arise from senior managers
or team leaders who are looking for advice on internal controls, risk
management and governance. J Clark advised that those areas of unplanned
activity do not often lead to a full audit. 
Resolved:
The progress with Internal Audit activity, be noted. 
7. A24-01 – BUSINESS CONTINUITY MANAGEMENT (BCM) PLANNING 
There was submitted a report by the Chief Internal Auditor (25/166) presenting
an audit undertaken on Business Continuity Management Planning. 
Councillor C Stewart queried if cyber security had been considered as part of
the business continuity management planning audit. J Clark confirmed there
was a separate business continuity plan for cyber security in place.  In the
short term, G Boland reassured members that plans are consistent and the
annual testing exercise had been reinstated. 
Councillor L Barrett confirmed that she strongly agreed with the
recommendation to revisit the Business Continuity Plans 2026/2027 and
queried if the process would start early in the cycle.  J Clark confirmed that
she would like to ensure that services had the time to undertake the full
Page 7 of 48

Page 8

annual review process and anticipated that it would be in second quarter of
2026/27. 
Councillor C Stewart referred to the procedure on business continuity
management with a timeline of May 2025. G Boland confirmed that the
procedure had been finalised. 
Resolved:
The contents of Report 25/166, be noted. 
8. INTERNAL AUDIT ANNUAL REPORT & INTERNAL AUDIT OPINION
2024/25 
There was submitted a report by Chief Internal Auditor (25/167) presenting
the year-end report and audit opinion of the Chief Internal Auditor for 2024/25. 
Councillor L Barrett referred to the case of money laundering and queried if it
had increased confidence that controls are working or indicate areas that
need further work. J Clark confirmed that the findings provided reassurance
that the current controls in place are operational. 
The Convener thanked J Clark and her team for their work. 
Resolved:
The contents of Report 25/167, be noted. 
9. INTERNAL AUDIT MANDATE & CHARTER 
There was submitted a report by Chief Internal Auditor (25/168) presenting
Internal Audit’s Mandate and Charter, in accordance with the Global Internal
Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector (GIAS (UKPS)). 
Councillor L Barrett referred to the co-operation of Council Management and
queried if the Chief Internal Auditor felt respect from the leadership teams and
their staff. J Clark advised that the Strategic Leadership Team engage well
with internal audit and confirmed that services are implementing outcomes
from the audit process in an appropriate time. If that were to change, it would
be brought to the attention of the committee. 
Resolved:
The Internal Audit Mandate & Charter which is aligned to the requirements of
the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) and their application in the UK
Public Sector and the CIPFA Code of Practice for the Governance of Internal
Audit in Local Government, be approved. 
10. INTERNAL AUDIT STRATEGY & PLAN
Page 8 of 48

Page 9

There was submitted a report by Chief Internal Auditor (25/169) presenting the
Strategy for the delivery of Internal Audit services for Perth and Kinross
Council, and the proposed approach for the direction of planned Internal Audit
work for 2025/26. 
Councillor L Barrett asked for further indication on how the actions detailed
would be prioritised and planned. J Clark confirmed that some work had
already started on assignments in the plan around areas such as external
funding workstream, care home and petty cash. J Clark added as part of
planning, internal audit would negotiate with Strategic Leads and Service
Managers around an appropriate timeframe. 
Councillor G Stewart referred to the importance of internal audits and the
verification of implementing actions and queried the allocation of resources. J
Clark clarified that the allocation of resources was ongoing. J Clark added that
a database records all actions that have been agreed, and the responsible
officer would be contacted to ask for progress reports and agreed evidence to
provide internal audit with reassurance that the actions have been
undertaken. 
Councillor C Stewart referred to the Administration of Social Care
Establishment and queried what additional benefit the Council would receive
from an internal audit in the area. J Clark confirmed that the internal audit
would not focus on the care aspects but would look at the administration, and
particularly the financial administration of the establishment. 
Members thanked J Clark and her team for their work. 
Resolved:
The strategy and plan for 2025/26, be approved. 
11. STRATEGIC RISK ANNUAL REPORT 
There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Strategic Planning, People
and Resources (25/170) providing assurance that the Council’s Risk
Management Framework is adequate and effective to advise of the current key
strategic risks facing the organisation and how these risks are being mitigated
and managed. 
Councillor G Stewart asked for further information on Risk Trained Officers. L
Dott confirmed a cohort a staff across the organisation have a qualification in
the management of risk. L Dott added that with changes to the operating model
under the Strategic Lead – Planning, People and Performance, training was
being provided to additional staff by the risk practitioners. In response to a
supplementary question from Councillor G Stewart, L Dott confirmed that each
Strategic Lead has a business partner that provide support in terms of risk and
performance arrangements. 
Page 9 of 48

Page 10

Resolved:
(i) The contents of the Report 25/170 be considered constructive challenge and
comment be provided. 
(ii) The current key strategic risks which have been identified through the
application of the approved risk management process, be noted.
(iii) The assurance as to adequacy and effectiveness of the risk management
framework, be accepted. 
IT WAS AGREED THAT THE PUBLIC AND PRESS SHOULD BE EXCLUDED
DURING CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEM IN ORDER TO AVOID
THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION WHICH IS EXEMPT IN TERMS OF
SCHEDULE 7A TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1973. 
P1. STRATEGIC RISK ANNUAL REPORT – SR06 
There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Strategic Planning, People
and Resources (25/170) providing assurance that the Council’s Risk
Management Framework is adequate and effective to advise of the current key
strategic risks facing the organisation and how these risks are being mitigated
and managed. 
Resolved:
The contents of the risk SR06 be noted and assurance be accepted. 
~~~~~~
Page 10 of 48

Page 11

Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well,
free from poverty and inequality 
___________________________________________________________________  
Committee or Board: Audit & Risk Committee 
Date of Meeting: 17 September 2025 
Report Title: Best Value Thematic Management Report September
2025 – Transformation & Change Programme 
Report Number: 25/136 
Report Author: Charlene Guild, Strategic Lead (Projects &
Programmes) 
Organisational Lead: 
___________________________________________________________________ 
1. Purpose 
1.1 This report sets out the findings and four recommendations for improvement
contained in the Perth & Kinross Council Best Value Thematic Management
Report September 2025 on Transformation & Change. It also provides a
response and details actions that will be progressed in respect of the
recommendations. 
1.2 Sections 
1. Purpose 
2. Recommendation
3. Background
4. Best Value Thematic Review 
5. Key messages and recommendations
6. Conclusion
7. Impact Value Assessment
8. Appendices 
2. Recommendation(s) 
2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: 
• Notes the contents of Audit Scotland’s Best Value Thematic Review
Report.  
4
Page 11 of 48

Page 12

3. Background 
3.1  The statutory duty of Best Value was introduced in the Local Government in
Scotland Act 2003. In 2025, new Best Value Statutory Guidance was
published, centred around seven new themes of: 
• Vision and leadership
• Governance and accountability
• Effective use of resources
• Partnership and collaborative working
• Working with communities
• Sustainable development
• Fairness and equality 
3.2 Between 2017 and 2021, all 32 Councils had a Best Value Assurance
Report. Perth & Kinross Council’s took place in 2018 and was published
2019. However, at the end of 2022, Audit Scotland announced that annual
audits would be reported to the Accounts Commission on specific themes.
This is intended to facilitate more collaboration, sharing of ideas and
performance data as well as offering a more detailed analysis of particular
aspects of work in all Councils. 
3.3 This is the third Best Value Thematic Review which has been completed
under this process. The focus for 2025 has been Transformation and how
councils are redesigning and delivering more efficient services to achieve
planned outcomes. 
3.4 The Accounts Commission published the Transformation in Councils report
in October 2024, recognising the work that has been ongoing in relation to
local government transformation for many years. It also noted a need to
significantly increase pace and scale of transformation work which will
require a step change. There is also an emphasis on greater collaboration
with partners which will be key for councils in delivering more sustainable
service models in these challenging financial climates. 
4. Best Value Thematic Review 
4.1 The Best Value Thematic Review on Transformation has been carried out
during the period April to June 2025 with continued discussion and
collaboration taking place between PKC Officers and Auditors on a regular
basis during this time. Auditors were also in attendance for the councils
Transformation Board on 3 June 2025. 
4.2 This report considers how Perth and Kinross Council are undertaking their
transformation and change work, redesigning and delivering more efficient
services to achieve planned positive outcomes, meeting our key corporate
priorities and organisational vision. In carrying out the audit work, auditors
have considered the following questions: 
Page 12 of 48

Page 13

o To what extent does the council have clear plans for transformation
that link to its priorities and support long term financial sustainability? 
o To what extent do the council’s programme management
arrangements facilitate effective oversight of its transformation
plans? 
o To what extent are partners and communities involved in the
development and delivery of the council’s plans for transformation? 
o To what extent has the council considered the impact of its
transformation activity, including on vulnerable or protected groups? 
4.3 In addition, auditors have taken into consideration the Accounts Commission
transformation principles set out in the Transformation in Councils report. 
4.4 The audit has considered evidence from across the Transformation &
Change portfolio, including case studies, documentation, evidence of good
practice as well as Officer interviews.  This has been an indepth process with
the Transformation & Change Programme Management Office leading and
other project officers heavily involved in submitting information and evidence
of progress and benefits. 
4.5 The final Best Value Thematic Management Report was received in draft
form late July and the PMO have worked with auditors to have this finalised
for 22 August 2025. The report itself details the many positive examples of
good practice within the Transformation & Change programme as well as
benefits and outcomes being progressed and realised.   
5 Key Messages and recommendations 
5.1 The key messages outlined within the report are detailed below: 
• Perth and Kinross Council has a clear vision and plan to support the
transformation of its services. Its current Transformation and Change
Strategy covers the period from 2022/23 to 2027/28 and includes 15
projects.
• The council reports that it has delivered £11.2 million of savings since
2022 through its Transformation and Change Strategy. It is not clear
how much its current transformation projects will contribute to bridging
its projected budget funding gap of £80.4 million over the next five
years.
• The council has robust officer-led governance arrangements in place to
monitor its transformational projects through its Transformation Board. 
Page 13 of 48

Page 14

• The council prepares updates on its Transformation and Change
Strategy twice a year. These are considered by the Finance and
Resources Committee or full Council. Officers also regularly provide
detailed updates to elected members on particular transformation
projects through specific briefings or relevant committee reports.
• The council has a temporary programme management office (PMO) in
place to help support the delivery of its Transformation and Change
Strategy. The PMO’s term is due to end in March 2026 and the council is
currently considering what its future arrangements will be. 
• The council has provided good examples of where it has worked with
partners and its communities to improve outcomes and generate savings
through its transformation projects. It is rolling out the structured and
user-focused ‘Service Design’ approach to transforming its services.  
• There is scope for the council to provide more information on the
potential impacts of its transformation projects on vulnerable groups
through its Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) process.
• While the council has provided the audit team with examples of where it
has identified and monitored the financial and non-financial benefits of its
transformation projects, it has plans to further enhance its approach to
benefits realisation. 
5.2 Further to this, an improvement action plan is included within the audit
recommendations and concentrates on four key areas. 
1. The council should ensure that its transformation plans are sufficiently
ambitious to help to address its funding gap and that projected savings
from transformation and change are clearly set out. 
2. The council should ensure it has arrangements in place to support, co-
ordinate and report on the progress of the Transformation and Change
Programme when the term of the temporary Programme Management
Office ends in April 2026.  
3. The council should ensure it is carrying out Equality and Fairness
Impact Assessments where necessary in relation to its transformation
projects and that these consistently include appropriate detail at each
stage. 
4. The council should enhance its benefits realisation arrangements to
demonstrate that the projects in the Transformation and Change
Programme are delivering their intended outcomes. 
Page 14 of 48

Page 15

5.3 Council officers have accepted these recommendations as work in progress
and already have actions in place to address these areas. There is a tabled
plan with timescales and appointed officers which will continue to be
progressed and reported on at our Finance & Resources Committee within
the Transformation & Change Programme biannual updates. 
6 Conclusions 
6.1 The four recommendations are already being progressed as follows: 
1. The Transformation & Change Strategy is currently under review and
will be presented to Finance & Resources Committee later this year for
approval and agreement. This will allow more focus on ambition and
finance in future. 
2. Discussion is currently ongoing to agree future arrangements for the
Programme Management Office (PMO) currently in place until 31
March 2026. The PMO has been working well and has established
clear frameworks, guidance and support for the programme. These
strong foundations will continue to be built upon with new and emerging
transformation workstreams being added regularly. 
3. Equality & Fairness Impact Assessments are already being carried out
regularly and there is good evidence to support engagement with
protected groups in terms of project progress. We will work with project
managers to underline the importance of ensuring that the EqFIA
process is undertaken and also incorporate them with other
organisational impact assessments such as climate change. 
4. Work is already underway to ensure that our Transformation & Change
systems have the additional functionality to capture benefits realised
within projects as we progress through phase two. We will also
continue to report this at Committee. 
6.2 It has been acknowledged that this is a very positive report for the Council in
terms of progress of the current Transformation & Change Programme. The
strengths of our current practice have been highlighted with some useful
guidance for improvement and growth. Progress is already underway, with
some detail below, however, regular updates will be provided to the Finance
& Resources Committee to monitor progress, maintain momentum and
identify further areas for improvement.   
7. Impact Value Assessment 
Best Value Thematic Management Report September 2025 (Adobe PDF
documents) 
8. Appendices 
Appendix 1 -  Best Value Thematic Management Report
Page 15 of 48

Page 16

Page 16 of 48

Page 17

4
Page 17 of 48

Page 18

Page 18 of 48

Page 19

Page 19 of 48

Page 20

Page 20 of 48

Page 21

Page 21 of 48

Page 22

Page 22 of 48

Page 23

Page 23 of 48

Page 24

Page 24 of 48

Page 25

Page 25 of 48

Page 26

Page 26 of 48

Page 27

Page 27 of 48

Page 28

Page 28 of 48

Page 29

Page 29 of 48

Page 30

Page 30 of 48

Page 31

Page 31 of 48

Page 32

Page 32 of 48

Page 33

Page 33 of 48

Page 34

Page 34 of 48

Page 35

Page 35 of 48

Page 36

Page 36 of 48

Page 37

Page 37 of 48

Page 38

Page 38 of 48

Page 39

Page 39 of 48

Page 40

Page 40 of 48

Page 41

Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well,
free from poverty and inequality 
___________________________________________________________________  
Committee or Board: Audit & Risk Committee 
Date of Meeting: 17 September 2025 
Report Title: Internal Audit Update 
Report Number: 25/237 
Report Author: Jackie Clark, Chief Internal Auditor 
Organisational Lead: 
___________________________________________________________________ 
1. Purpose 
1.1 The purpose of this Report is to present a summary of Internal Audit’s work
undertaken as part of the Internal Audit Plans for 2024/25 and 2025/26. 
1.2 Sections 
1. Purpose
2. Recommendations
3. Background/Context
4. Progress Update
5. Outcome from Consultancy Work
6. Conclusion
7. Impact Value Assessment
8. Appendices 
2. Recommendation 
It is recommended that the Committee notes progress with Internal Audit
activity. 
3. Background/Context 
3.1  The Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector (GIAS (UKPS))
and the Code of Practice for the Governance of Internal Audit in UK Local
Government require that the Audit Committee should receive regular
engagement reporting for internal audit activity and on performance relative
to the approved plan. 
5
Page 41 of 48

Page 42

3.2 Work has continued on assignments from Perth & Kinross Council’s Internal
Audit Plans. In addition, work has continued to be undertaken in connection
with the Internal Audit provision for Perth & Kinross’ Integration Joint Board. 
3.3 Internal Audit continues to support Services to investigate matches for the
National Fraud Initiative in line with the timeline as laid down by Audit
Scotland. 
4. Progress Update 
4.1 Appendix 1 shows the status of audits arising from the Internal Audit Plans. 
4.2 Internal Audit is currently involved with further areas of unplanned work.
There has been significant activity in relation to unplanned work. Where any
control issues arise as a result of these, reports will be presented to the
Audit & Risk Committee. 
6 Conclusion 
6.1 Not applicable. 
7. Impact Value Assessment 
7.1 This report has been classified as being an operational report and as such
does not require a full Impact and Value Assessment.   
8. Appendices 
8.1 Appendix 1 – Internal Audit Activity 
Page 42 of 48

Page 43

Appendix 1
INTERNAL AUDIT UPDATE
Internal Audit Activity 
Audit
No.
Title Lead Service(s) Status as at
February
2025
Audit
Committee
2024/25    
A24-03 Multi Agency
Safeguarding Hub
Children, Families &
Justice
Ongoing December
2025
A24-04 Affordable Housing Housing &
Communities
Ongoing December
2025     
2025/26    
C25-01 Strategic Partnering –
Education & Learning
Education &
Learning
Ongoing March 2026
C25-02 Strategic Partnering –
Environment &
Infrastructure
Environment &
Infrastructure 
March 2026
A25-03 External Funding Multiple Services Ongoing December
2025
A25-04 Health & Safety Strategic Planning,
People &
Performance 
March 2026
A25-05 Housing Regulator
Submission
Housing &
Communities
Ongoing December
2025
A25-06 Risk Maturity Strategic Planning,
People &
Performance 
March 2026
A25-07  Insurance Finance & Business
Support 
March 2026
A25-08 Administration of a
social care
establishment
Adult Social Work Ongoing December
2025
A25-09 Petty Cash All Services Ongoing December
2025
A25-10 Payroll Strategic Planning,
People &
Performance 
June 2026
A25-11 Assessment &
Charging
Finance & Business
Support 
June 2026 
5
Page 43 of 48

Page 44

Page 44 of 48

Page 45

Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well,
free from poverty and inequality 
___________________________________________________________________  
Committee or Board: Audit & Risk Committee 
Date of Meeting: 17 September 2025 
Report Title: Internal Audit Follow Up 
Report Number: 25/238 
Report Author: Jackie Clark, Chief Internal Auditor 
Organisational Lead: 
___________________________________________________________________ 
1. Purpose 
1.1 The purpose of this Report is to present current summary of Internal Audit’s
‘follow up’ work relating to actions due for completion up to April 2025. 
1.2 Sections 
1. Purpose
2. Recommendations
3. Background/Context
4. Follow Up Outcomes
5. Conclusion
6. Impact Value Assessment
7. Appendices 
2. Recommendation 
It is recommended that the Committee notes the current position in respect
of the agreed actions arising from Internal Audit’s work. 
3. Background/Context 
3.1  The Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector (GIAS (UKPS))
and the Code of Practice for the Governance of Internal Audit in UK Local
Government require that the Audit Committee should oversee the tracking
and implementation of actions agreed following audits. 
3.2 Internal Audit request evidence from Services which confirms that actions
have been implemented and, therefore, controls have been improved. 
6
Page 45 of 48

Page 46

4. Progress Update 
4.1 There were 10 actions due to be completed up to July 2025. Five actions
has been verified by Internal Audit as having been satisfactorily completed.
The five remaining actions have revised completion dates, as detailed in the
Appendix 1 and 2. Appendix 2 contains actions which were previously
considered in private session of the Audit & Risk Committee. 
5 Conclusion 
5.1 Not applicable. 
6. Impact Value Assessment 
6.1 This report has been classified as being an operational report and as such
does not require a full Impact and Value Assessment.   
7. Appendices 
7.1 Not applicable.   
Page 46 of 48

Page 47

Appendix 1 
Actions with a completion date up to July 2025 which have yet to be completed
Finding Action  Action owner
& Service
Date(s) Current status Internal
Audit
Opinion
23-04 - Child Poverty 
Action Point: 3 
Importance: Low 
Audit Committee Date:
September 2024  
The Service will liaise with the
Equalities Officer to look at
ways to improve the collection
and sharing of data on people
in poverty with a protected
characteristic(s). 
The Service will liaise with
the Equalities Officer to
look at ways to improve
the collection and sharing
of data on people in
poverty with a protected
characteristic(s). 
M Lynch, Child
Poverty Officer,
Strategic
Planning,
People &
Performance
Dec 2024
June 2025
Mar 2026
The Service states
that the Council does
not hold sufficient
data but are looking at
various ways of
improving the data
capture and sharing
regarding people with
protected
characteristics, along
with an action plan 
Accepted
A24-01 - Business Continuity
Management (BCM) Planning 
Action Point : Action Point 2.1
Importance: High
Audit Committee Date: June
2025 
Arrange training and
exercising of all plans once
approved and as per the
BCP tracker
S Terras,
Emergency
Planning &
Business
Continuity
Officer
June 2025
Nov 2025
Progress with BC
Plans has stalled due
to the Officer focusing
on the Scott Street
Recovery.  This work
will be recommenced
in September/
October.  
Satisfactory 
6
Page 47 of 48

Page 48

Page 48 of 48