The Audit and Governance Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to consider a range of internal audit matters, including the external quality assessment, the plan for the upcoming year, and current progress. The committee was also set to review the strategic risk register and receive an update on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

Internal Audit External Quality Assessment

The committee was scheduled to review the findings of the Internal Audit External Quality Assessment. This assessment is a review of the internal audit service's adherence to professional standards and best practices. The agenda indicated that a report, titled Internal Audit External Quality Assessment, and its appendix Internal Audit External Quality Assessment - Appendix A, were to be presented.

Internal Audit Plan 2026/27

A key item on the agenda was the proposed Internal Audit Plan for the 2026/27 financial year. This plan outlines the scope and focus of the internal audit work for the upcoming year, ensuring that key risks and controls are reviewed. The relevant documents for this discussion were the Internal Audit Plan 202627 and Internal Audit Plan 202627 - Appendix A.

Internal Audit Progress

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on the progress of internal audit activities. This would provide an overview of the work undertaken to date and any findings or recommendations arising from ongoing audits. The reports for this item were Internal Audit Progress, Internal Audit Progress - Appendix A, and Internal Audit Progress - Appendix B.

Strategic Risk Register

The Strategic Risk Register was scheduled for review. This document identifies and assesses the significant risks facing the council, and the committee would be looking at the current status of these risks. The main document was the Strategic Risk Register, with several appendices detailing specific risks: SR01 Data Management including Cyber Security, R02 WNC Council stock managed by NPH, SR03 Cost of living impact - increased demand for services, SR05 Health and Safety of WNC properties, and SR06 Inability to recruit and therefore deliver.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Update

An update on the application of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) was scheduled to be presented. This legislation governs the powers of public bodies to carry out certain investigatory activities. The relevant document was the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 RIPA Update.

Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review its Work Programme, which outlines the planned activities and topics for future meetings. This ensures that the committee's work aligns with its responsibilities and priorities. The document for this item was the Work Programme.

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 21st January 2026, detailed in the Minutes of Previous Meeting. The Chair's announcements and any urgent business were also to be addressed. The meeting was scheduled to take place at Room G01 A&B, One Angel Square, Angel Street, Northampton, NN1 1ED.