We facilitated a number of risk workshops for a district council, using tools endorsed by the Institute of Risk Management. This included the ‘risk bowtie’ framework.
Experts in local government assurance
Veritau was formed in 2009, originally as a partnership between two local authorities. Today we are owned by four partner councils across Yorkshire and the north east.
Local government service delivery has never been more challenging. Demand is constantly increasing but resources are limited. Our assurance services help you to balance risks and manage your organisation effectively.
Internal audit
Internal audit is about assessment of risks, reviewing controls, and identifying areas for improvement. Many of our auditors began their careers within local government, before Veritau was formed.
Our team has a wide range of experience delivering audits in many different service areas. We take an independent view of your key processes, and provide advice and support to deliver improvements. As well as large authorities, we also work with several town and parish councils.
Counter fraud
Fraud prevention goes hand-in-hand with internal audit, focusing on risks holistically. Protecting the public purse is essential, particularly at a time when resources are under increased pressure.
Our counter fraud team are specialists in investigating fraud affecting councils. This includes:
- Internal fraud and whistleblowing
- Adult social care fraud
- Council tax fraud
- Housing fraud
- Third-party fraud
- Parking and blue badge fraud
- Business rates fraud
- Schools admission fraud
- Financial assistance schemes fraud
Information governance and DPO service
Managing information well is essential to supporting service delivery. We support local authorities to protect personal data, implement effective governance frameworks, and manage information successfully.
Veritau acts as the data protection officer (DPO) for over 600 public sector clients, including a number of local authorities. Our information governance services can help you with information access (eg FOI and SARs), data protection, governance frameworks and information risk management.
Risk management
Do you understand the level of risk you are willing to tolerate to achieve your strategic objectives? Our qualified risk management professionals bring a wide range of experience in managing risk in a local government context.
From HR to housing, we can work with you to make risk-intelligent decisions, reduce risk exposure and achieve your objectives.
Whistleblowing service
Whistleblowing can affect any organisation. Staff who raise concerns are protected by law, and it’s essential that employers know how to comply with the legislation.
Concerns should be taken seriously, and public sector organisations should be aware of how to navigate a whistleblowing concern. Our team of experts have experience handling a range of complex and sensitive issues, and can support you to get it right.
Case study
Running risk management workshops to inform strategy and understand risk appetite
Local government specialists
Speak to one of our team to find out more about our services and how we work with local authorities. We’re always open to taking on new member councils, find out more about becoming a partner here.
Phil Jeffrey
Assistant Director – Audit Assurance
Phil has wide-ranging audit experience gained with Veritau, the Audit Commission, National Audit Office and in the NHS. He has performed a variety of audit assurance work, ranging from fundamental system reviews through to one off specialist assignments. Phil is our audit lead for Middlesbrough Council and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
Jonathan Dodsworth
Assistant Director - Corporate Fraud
Jonathan is an Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist with a wealth of experience delivering counter fraud services to public sector organisations across the region. He was instrumental in establishing the North Yorkshire housing fraud partnership and is an active member of various public sector counter fraud networks.
Connor Munro
Assistant Director – Audit Assurance
Connor is a Chartered Internal Auditor with experience of internal audit both in the public and private sectors, delivering complex and varied work. He is the audit manager for City of York Council and Birmingham Children’s Trust. Connor also leads on our risk management services.
Case study
Audit review for council’s health and school nursing service to assist CQC inspection
Ahead of their next Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, the council’s health visitors and school nursing service asked our auditors to undertake a piece of ‘critical friend’ work.
