Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SHARED INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICE

To receive the SIAS Annual Report 2023- 2024.

RESOLVED:That the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee noted the SIAS Annual Report 2023-24.

Audio recording – 29 minutes 54 seconds

The Head of Assurance presented the report entitled ‘SIAS Annual Report 2023-24’.

In response to questions from Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham, The Head of Assurance advised that:

·       The section on Artificial intelligence (AI) related to the processes of auditing and understanding how powerful AI tools could be used and what risks this created.

·       SIAS had access to Microsoft Suite and Copilot.

·       In terms of SIAS partners using AI, the County Council were already using AI technology in their Adult Care Section, auditors were therefore required to have an understanding of AI tools and technology and be able to assess the risks and controls that were in place,

·       Auditors need to have access to AI tools, however at the moment AI in Local Government, including in internal audit, was in its infancy.

·       Some aspects of Microsoft Copilot were being incorporated into the SIAS service, but mainly for planning and resourcing documents.

·       Humans were still required for analysis of data.

·       Larger corporations were known to be using AI tools and AI usage was being monitored across the industry.

Councillor Stewart Willoughby proposed and Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:That the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee noted the SIAS Annual Report 2023-24.