Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

Audit Committee Forum

in association with 

As the role of the Audit Committee has increased in recent years, so too has the value that Accounting Officers and Boards place on the assurance provided by Audit Committees on risk, control and governance. The need for an effective Audit Committee, discharging robust challenge and scrutiny to the work of Executive Management, is paramount in the promotion and exercise of the highest standards of corporate governance in public bodies.

In 2009, CIPFA and KPMG came together in an innovative partnership to address these challenges and to share their joint expertise available to a Forum of Chairs and members of Audit Committees of public bodies. Over 100 people attended the 2009/10 series that consisted of four short, snappy and highly relevant practical and interactive workshops.

We are delighted to announce the 2011 programme of events, following the same format of practical workshops running from 9.30am to 1pm followed by an informal luncheon. The events include:

Ensuring Robust Procurement and Contract Management within Public Sector Organisations
24 February 2012, Belfast

In light of the continuing squeeze on public finances and the resulting need to achieve and demonstrate value for money, ensuring robust, fair and transparent procurement practice has taken on a whole new importance.  It is important that public organisations understand and comply with the detailed (and extensive) procurement frameworks and rules determined by government and other funders, but it is also important that a clear focus is maintained on maximising value for money when scoping an organisation’s needs for goods or services and in running the process such that procurement delivers optimal outcomes.

This focus on value for money should not end when a contract has been awarded, particularly when specialist services or complex infrastructure projects are being procured.  The procuring organisation must ensure that appropriate oversight and performance measurement frameworks are in place to monitor the performance of contractors and ensure that payments are only made where work has been completed satisfactory.  The completion of work on time and on budget is also a key priority – where strong oversight by the procuring authority can pay dividends.

In this session, Nicola Brennan, Head of Internal Audit for Northern Ireland Water, will outline some of the key principles of public procurement and set out how the Audit Committee can play a role in ensuring regularity and value for money through robust end-to-end procurement and contract management processes, particularly where large service delivery or infrastructure projects are procured.

Book your place online

For further details on the Audit Committees Forum, please contact Sheelah Gault via e-mail at sheelah.gault@cipfa.org.uk  Alternatively, please telephone Sheelah on 028 9026 6774.