The Devon Assurance Partnership Committee met on Friday 17 July 2026 to review the financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year and to receive an update on the Partnership's performance. The meeting's agenda also included the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair.

Devon Assurance Partnership Financial Outturn Report 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to review the financial position of the Devon Assurance Partnership (DAP) for the financial year 2025/26. The report indicated that the Partnership had achieved a balanced budget, with a small surplus of £31,517. This surplus was higher than anticipated due to additional external work undertaken in the fourth quarter of the financial year. The report noted that in-year pressures, such as the 2025/26 pay award, were managed through careful resourcing and internal recruitment.

The financial outturn report also detailed the Partnership's balance sheet as at 31 March 2026, outlining the allocation of reserves. It was noted that the Partnership continued to provide a small bodies return as a good governance practice, enabling effective year-on-year comparisons. The report included an annual governance statement, confirming that the Partnership maintained an adequate system of internal control and took steps to assure itself of compliance with laws, regulations, and proper practices.

Devon Assurance Partnership Committee Update Report

The committee was also set to consider an update report on the performance of the Devon Assurance Partnership for the year to date. This report was expected to outline key performance indicators, achievements, and other significant activities during the period. It was also to provide information on staffing changes, customer feedback, and new business initiatives.

The update report highlighted that the Partnership had remained flexible and responsive to assurance needs, focusing on increasing cross-partner added value activities. The workforce was described as stable, with a focus on delivering work for 2026/27 alongside support for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The report indicated that performance for both service delivery and financial outturn were positive for 2025/26, with a surplus of over £31,000 attributed to external income. A break-even position was predicted for 2026/27.

The report also touched upon the embedding of Global Internal Audit Standards and the ongoing support for partners in the CIPFA-based Self-Assessment for Audit Committees. Staffing changes were noted, with a focus on recruiting experienced Senior Assurance Officers and remodelling the workforce for future demands. The report emphasised the importance of succession planning and upskilling the team through internal training and professional study.

Customer satisfaction remained high, with 97% of clients reporting satisfaction with DAP's services. The report also detailed the Partnership's internal audit performance for 2025/26, indicating that performance was in line with expectations. Key performance indicators showed a positive direction, with a high percentage of work commenced and reported within target times. Staff turnover was reported at 11.6%, with a number of new staff joining the team.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

A procedural item on the agenda was the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for the Devon Assurance Partnership Committee. It was noted that the posts were held on a rotational basis, with Plymouth City Council and Mid Devon District Council due to hold the positions for one year from the date of the meeting.