I am transitioning my career from PMO into Project manager delivery. I am tasked with, based on the below project brief, to prepare a 10 minute presentation to the project sponsor on the way I would,
The proposal is to create a Shared Internal Audit Service which will deliver a full, professional internal audit function to meet the needs of the partner Councils and the requirements defined in the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government in the United Kingdom 2006.
Vision
Short Term - A single service arrangement which brings together internal audit sections under one umbrella to provide audit services. The following Councils have indicated their interest in participating in such an arrangement:
• East Hertfordshire District Council
• North Hertfordshire District Council
• Stevenage Borough Council
• Welwyn Hatfield District Council.
Long Term - A high quality, vibrant, growing and efficient service that has a large number of participating organisations. The service will continually evolve and improve making best use of new technology and working practices.
Background
The function of Internal Audit is recognised by all councils as core to effective governance, risk management and control arrangements. The requirement for councils to maintain appropriate and effective internal audit arrangements is set out in the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 (as amended 2006).
In July 2007, an interim report was produced which set out the benefits that
could arise from either closer co-operation or the establishment of a Shared
Internal Audit Service. It referred to other Shared Internal Audit Services that
have been established in local government in recent years. The most
developed, involving a County Council is the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP).
This is a partnership of Somerset County Council and five district councils.
SWAP stated the key benefits were;
? Productivity increased by 25%
? Specialists more affordable on costs shared
? Costs reduced by 10%
? Quicker decision making
Objectives
A programme of high quality and reliable assurance on all key governance, risk and control systems to each Council, operating in accordance with statutory requirements, professional standards, and recognised best practice methodology.
? High standards of customer service and to be responsive and flexible in its approach, offering the benefits of a ‘close’ in-house team.
? Offer a wide base of experience, resilience, specialisms and skills, taking advantage of the economy of scale available to larger audit teams.
? Efficiencies through exploiting opportunities for joined up working, adopting a common methodology and service standards, sharing knowledge, skills and expertise.
? Supportive and stimulating working environment for those staff working in the Shared Service with opportunities for career development.
? Open to future opportunities to expand the Shared Service thus enabling greater efficiencies to be achieved.
Financial Arrangements
Initial indications of the level of service required have been requested from those interested, this information will now be used to determine indicative costs of the proposed service.
The partners will require further work to identify efficiency targets and deliver cost savings over time and these targets will form part of the partnership agreement.
This will mean that over time the total cost of the internal audit arrangements in HCC and participating districts will reduce.
Human Resources Arrangements
The Human Resources arrangements are being considered with support from District Councils. Legal and Human Resources support is being received in order to ensure that the process of employee transfer is handled in accordance with the law.
Consultation Arrangements
Each of the participating District Councils will carry out its own consultation process as part of respective decision making arrangements.
Arrangements are being made to consult with Audit Committee Chairs and External Auditors as key stakeholders in the Service.
Staff consultation arrangements are in train with a joint staff briefing held in December. Further staff consultation will be carried out as part of the process for transferring staff to the employ of HCC and into the roles within the Shared Internal Audit Service.
Odd post. A 10% cost reduction is a pretty meagre target too, surprising the project is going ahead. How much budget do you have & how does this relate to the 10%? Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
I'm guessing this is an interview question/scenario rather than an actual project (although it may be based on an actual project). The first thing I'd do is explain how you will identify the stakeholders involved as the brief seems wide-ranging. You could structure your answer along the lines of the PM process workflow: create charter, acquire team etc etc. I think with this public sector initiative it would be good to show the way in which you will create a shared vision, do communication and manage the various parties involved given that they are all likely to have slightly different processes right now. Saving Changes...
