High risk audit recommendations

Report: 15
Date: 19 June 2006
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report confirms the status of outstanding  made by MPA Internal Audit, as at the end of May 2006, and gives details of ongoing work to enhance the process by which the MPS respond to audit recommendations.

A. Recommendation

That

1. members note the status of outstanding high-risk recommendations made in relation to MPS control systems by MPA Internal Audit; and
2. note that the MPS Inspection Liaison & Analysis Unit (ILAU) has assumed responsibility for audit recommendation tracking and reporting.

B. Supporting information

1. As reported in the February 2006 progress report, the number of outstanding MPA Internal Audit high-risk audit recommendations is continuing to reduce. There are however, still a number of recommendations that have been outstanding for a significant period. This report provides a summary on the current status of the outstanding high-risk recommendations and an update on the developments being made to the monitoring process of audit recommendations. It is also intended to assure members that the MPS is treating this matter as a high priority.

Progress report on current high-risk audit recommendations

2. The status of high-risk MPA Internal Audit recommendations as at end May 2006 is set out at Appendix 1 (exempt). Table 1 below summarises the latest position by the year in which each recommendation was made. The data provided covers those high-risk accepted recommendations identified in the February 2006 progress report, together with any recommendations subsequently reported to the MPS Inspection Liaison and Analysis Unit (ILAU) by MPA Internal Audit.

3. The status of high risk audit recommendations relating to Human Resources matters are reported direct to the MPA by the MPS HR Directorate and therefore are excluded from this summary.

Table 1: High-Risk Accepted Audit Recommendation Progress Summary (excluding HR)

4. A more detailed description of the current status of high-risk audit recommendations is available, if required.

Improving the MPS audit recommendation response process

5. As reported in February 2006, the ILAU has now taken over responsibility from the Business Risk Management Team (BRMT) for collating and monitoring updates on audit recommendations. Following the transfer of this responsibility and as part of the enhanced role of the ILAU, the monitoring and review process is currently being further developed to ensure that the most timely and concise updates are obtained and the implementation of the recommendations are prioritised.

6. The BRMT has continued to support the ILAU throughout the transfer of this responsibility. The MPS Internal Inspection Co-ordination Group provides additional support by actively progressing the development of recommendation tracking across the MPS. This is to prevent duplication, overlap and unnecessary burden of inspection activity. It also provides a forum for all inspection and review units within the MPS and the BRMT to share good practice and learning.

7. A further progress report by the ILAU on the status of high-risk audit recommendations will be provided to Corporate Governance Committee in September 2006, together with details of the enhanced monitoring and review process.

C. Race and equality impact

No reported adverse impacts on race and equality.

D. Financial implications

It is understood that the actions have been, or are being, undertaken from existing budgets.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: Julie Buckingham, Inspection Liaison and Analysis Unit, MPS.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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