Internal Audit Service

Tender description

Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) require the provision of an Internal Audit Service to support the effective management of the functions of the Authority. The current contract with RSM will come to a natural contract end on 31st March 2017. The current service provides the complete range of internal services required and it is a requirement that any new Provider will be able to demonstrate their ability to offer at least the same level of competence and expertise to enable a seamless transition to a new contract. The Authority is seeking to award a contract to a single Provider to commence on 1st April 2017 but with availability prior to April to deal with any pre year audit planning to ensure a smooth transition and full go live of availability from 1st April 2017. This contract is being put in place in order to ensure the Authority's statutory responsibilities under Section 6 of The Accounts & Audit (England)Regulations (2011) requirement to "undertake an adequate and effective internal audit of its accounting records and of its system of internal control in accordance with proper practices in relation to internal control". In addition provide a service that independently examines, evaluates and reports on the adequacy of the Authority's internal controls throughout the organisation as a contribution to the proper, economic, efficient and effective use of resources. Internal Audit must be performed in accordance with all relevant guidelines, including the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's (CIPFA) publication on The Role of the Head of Internal Audit, The Accounts & Audit (England) Regulations (2011),HM Treasury's Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) and the associated CIPFA "Local Government Application Note for the United Kingdom Public Sector Internal Audit Standards The Provider is expected to make a positive contribution to the achievement of control systems which:- • Ensure adherence to management policies, procedures, directives and legislation to achieve the Authority's aims and objectives; • Facilitate good practice in managing risk; • Secure the relevance, reliability and integrity of information; • Improve performance and productivity; • Save money by identifying waste and/or inefficiency; • Promote best value. The Provider will be expected to report as appropriate upon the issues outlined above, as an integral part of the service. Management considers that the Internal Audit service has a key role to play in support of the effective management of the Authority. The Provider will be expected to maintain and enhance the image and profile of internal audit and provide a service tailored to the needs of stakeholders including Directors, Services Heads and Members of the Fire Authority. A further description is provided on the In-Tend Port