Planning Audit

The work of the Planning Service Audit Team fits in with the ‘Planning to Deliver’ strategy of the Agency. The aim of the Team is to assist management and staff within the Agency in the effective discharge of their responsibilities and, in particular, to provide quality assurance of the Agency’s processes. This ties in with the Agency’s Business Plan objective of providing ‘high quality and efficient services in support of the Agency’s core functions.’

The Audit Team was set up in June 2003 to assist management and staff within the Agency by providing quality assurance of the Agency’s processes.

The Audit Team aims to ensure that the Agency’s:

objectives are achieved, e.g. quality development is secured;
Agency/Departmental procedures, policies, plans etc. are complied with;
resources are used economically and efficiently;
information can be relied upon; and
assets are safeguarded.

One of the key areas of concern is to ensure that procedures, policies, plans etc. are applied in a consistent manner across the Agency. Prioritisation of audit work takes account of the risk management processes, including the Risk Register, put in place by the Agency. Initially, the Audit Team is examining selected aspects of Development Control. The remit of the Team, however, includes all the functions of the Planning Service.

During testing the team is usually based in the Divisional Offices. Testing is conducted through a review of files and, where necessary, discussions with staff.

The Audit Team makes recommendations to improve processes and to ensure that a consistent approach is applied.