Decision details

The Framework is open to all local authorities and any companies where the local authorities have a controlling interest. It also includes public sector pension funds, registered social housing providers, and NHS foundation trusts and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).
The Apex Framework provides a comprehensive range of assurance-related services, including:
Secondments at all levels: including interim roles, maternity, sickness and vacancy cover
Co-sourcing arrangements covering the delivery of a proportion of the Annual Plan
Provision of specialist skills such as Tax/VAT, IT Audit, Contract and Procurement, and Assurance
The framework was tendered by Croydon Council on behalf of 30+ Councils to ensure the best possible rates achieved through economies of scale.
The Internal Audit Team will use the framework as a call off contract as and when needed to build additional resilience within the team. All departments within the Council will also be able to access assurance services provided through the framework.

To use the APEX Framework, when needed and at the daily rates agreed within the contract, for the provision of Internal Audit days and any other assurance services available within the framework.

Option 1 - Use the APEX Framework when needed to ensure that additional resilience is available in the event of long term absence or additional skill requirements.
Option 2 - Use agency Auditors which require additional due diligence prior to use and therefore may take longer to implement.
Option 3 - Do nothing and accept that audit work may not be completed in the event of longer term absences.