Issue - meetings

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development briefly introduced the report.

The Chairman asked for clarification on the findings of the audit, which had resulted in the payroll audit assurance level changing form ‘significant’ to ‘reasonable’. She expressed her concerns that the remedial action from this change would involve further checks from the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development, and questioned if this was the best use of their time and skills.

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that he had been asked to carry out these checks when he joined the organisation. He conceded that these checks took time, but said that they were useful. He reiterated that the audit had found no errors in payroll or accuracy, and that the change in the assurance level was ultimately ‘a moment in time’ due to staffing. He said that plans had now been put in place regarding the replacement of staff.

The Chairman said that it was good to see that Broxbourne Borough Council was now   receiving services from East Herts Council’s Human Resources and Payroll Team. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development agreed, and said that the new higher rates of fees and charges were being received for these services.

RESOLVED – that the report be received.