Business Details
Specialist Internal Audit Services for Local Councils
Established to provide specialist internal audit services, we focus exclusively on supporting Town and Parish Councils across England and Wales. Our team combines deep sector knowledge with practical experience to deliver tailored solutions that align with regulatory requirements and governance standards. Since 2011, we have developed a structured audit methodology grounded in the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the Practitioners Guide, ensuring rigorous compliance and risk evaluation. Our audits utilise a comprehensive checklist of 180+ criteria, regularly updated to reflect legislative changes and field insights. We prioritise transparency, providing clear reports with risk-prioritised findings and actionable recommendations to strengthen governance processes.Our engagement process begins with formal letters outlining terms, followed by meticulous planning and calendar-coordinated visits. With expertise spanning Wiltshire to Worcestershire, we serve councils of varying sizes, adapting our approach to local needs while maintaining national standards. Our director, a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants member, brings dual-sector experience from Wiltshire Council and private finance leadership roles. We commit to continuous improvement, refining our practices through client feedback and evolving best practices in local governance.
Services
Internal Audit Services
Engagement Letters
Audit Methodology
Risk Assessments
Governance Reporting
Council Compliance
Audit Planning
Regulatory Compliance
Highlights and features
- We specialise in Town and Parish Council audits since 2011
- Our audit checklist exceeds 180 compliance criteria
- Director holds Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification
- Services cover 15+ counties across England and Wales
- Reports include prioritised risk assessments for clear action
Services
Internal Audit Services
We conduct comprehensive internal audits for Town and Parish Councils using a 180+ point checklist aligned with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. Our process identifies governance gaps, evaluates risk management effectiveness, and provides prioritised recommendations. Audits incorporate interim reviews and year-end assessments to ensure continuous compliance.
Engagement Letters
Formal engagement letters establish audit terms in accordance with the Practitioners Guide. These documents outline scope, methodology, and fee structures before audit commencement. For existing clients, letters confirm visit dates and update any changes to audit parameters during pre-audit coordination.
Audit Methodology
Our methodology follows standardised checklists referencing Annual Internal Audit Reports and JPAG guidance. Auditors systematically evaluate applicable criteria, documenting exceptions that require detailed review. Findings undergo clerk verification before final reporting to ensure accuracy and contextual relevance for each council's operations.
Governance Reporting
Reports highlight high-risk findings with remedial action proposals, structured around AGAR certification requirements. Each document includes audit summaries, observations, and prioritised recommendations to strengthen governance frameworks. Council clerks review draft findings before final submission for council approval.
Audit Planning
Audit planning ensures adequate resource allocation and sample selection for thorough evaluations. Interim audits occur October-February, with year-end visits arranged December-January based on record availability. Confirmed dates receive calendar invites specifying timing and logistical requirements for efficient on-site assessments.
People
Kevin Rose
Director
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants member with internal audit experience since 2011. Previously served as Wiltshire Council Internal Auditor and private sector Finance Director. Specialises in council governance compliance and risk assessment frameworks.
Questions
Why do Town and Parish Councils require internal audits?
Under Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, councils must evaluate risk management and governance effectiveness through independent audits to maintain regulatory compliance.
Which areas do you cover for council audits?
We operate across England and Wales, serving councils in Wiltshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon, Cornwall, and 10 additional counties.
How does your audit process work?
Audits follow a 180+ point checklist, with interim reviews and year-end assessments. Findings undergo clerk verification before final reporting to ensure accuracy.
What happens if audit issues are identified?
Exceptions trigger detailed reviews and audit observations. High-impact risks receive dedicated reports outlining remedial actions for council implementation.
How are audit visits scheduled?
Interim audits occur October-February; year-end visits arrange December-January via calendar invites confirming dates and logistical requirements for efficient assessments.
