The Audit & Transparency Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council met on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to review progress on equalities and financial management, and to plan future internal audits. The meeting's agenda included discussions on the implementation of recommendations from an equalities audit, an assessment of the Council's compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code, and the proposed internal audit plan for the upcoming year.

Six-Month Progress Report on Equalities and EqIA Audit Recommendations

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress made against the 12 recommendations from the Audit of Equalities and Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs). This audit, which took place in September 2025, had previously provided Limited Assurance and led to the development of a two-year management plan. The report was expected to detail the implementation status of these recommendations, with 4 out of 12 reported as fully implemented and 8 as partially implemented. The report highlighted progress in infrastructure improvements, revising staff-facing materials, and strengthening workforce equalities management. Efforts were also underway to enhance the equalities culture and the EqIA process itself.

Compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code 2025/26

A key item on the agenda was the Council's compliance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Financial Management Code for 2025/26. This code provides guidance for good and sustainable financial management in local authorities. The report was intended to assess the Council's adherence to the code's principles and standards, with a compliance review conducted towards the end of the financial year. The report aimed to provide confidence in the Council's financial sustainability and the embedding of good financial management practices. The assessment indicated compliance with all 17 standards, with specific areas identified for potential improvement.

Internal Audit Plan 2026/27

The committee was presented with the draft Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27. This plan is based on the Strategic Audit Plan and current identified risks. The approach involves a 3 plus 9 annual audit plan, detailing the first three months in depth and maintaining flexibility for the remaining nine months, with quarterly reviews to adapt to emerging risks and changing needs. The plan aims to ensure that internal audit provides assurance over the breadth of the Council's operations and does not become solely reactive. The draft plan included proposed audits for the first quarter of 2026/27, covering areas such as school audits, contingency planning for digital and technology, transitions in children's and adult services, fire safety compliance, and contract management for parking. Potential audits for the remainder of the year were also outlined, spanning a wide range of council services.

Action Tracker and Forward Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review the Action Tracker, which details progress on actions agreed at previous meetings. This tracker uses a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) system to illustrate the status of each action. Additionally, the Forward Programme for the remainder of the municipal year was presented, outlining the committee's planned work and inviting suggestions for future topics. The tracker indicated that nine actions were in the process of being completed.