The aim of this report was to provide Members with a position statement on progress being made against the audit work included and approved within the Internal Audit Risk Based Plan 2023-24.

A Member requested that more of the information be presented in graph format, which would be considered as more cumulative data is presented. 

The Chairperson drew attention to section 3.6 of the report on school vehicles. He noted that the audit, which included 7 schools, identified that in one case the weight of the vehicle was unknown so compliance with the guidance could not be verified. In addition, some of the schools failed to regularly review staff driving licences to ensure validity and some vehicles had been driven by staff who did not hold the correct vehicle category on their driving licence, or the licence was out of date which invalidated the insurance. He thought this was a matter of grave concern and could expose the authority to a huge claim if any of these matters arose in the event of an accident.

He suggested waiting for the final report before deciding what course of action should be taken by the Committee.

A Member thanked the Chairperson for raising this issue and wondered if this involved school, local authority, and contracted services.

The Chairperson responded by noting that as part of their contractual responsibility, the authority should be checking the buses and ensuring they are fit for purpose: they should have the relevant MOTs, are driven by the right people, and have the correct number of escorts should they be required.

The Chairperson clarified that once the full report had been issued to the Director and the schools, and the action plan was agreed, then if the Committee was satisfied that the issues were being addressed so be it. However, it was possible there was a piece of work that needed to be undertaken by the Director of Education in regard to all schools to reassure Members about the status of their vehicles and drivers.

RESOLVED:

Members of the Committee noted the content of the report and the progress made against the 2023-24 Internal Audit Risk Based Plan.