Local Audit Specialist Training

Published: 13 November 2024

2 minute read

FRC Criteria for Local Audit Specialist Training

The below criteria outlines the essential requirements that training providers must meet to ensure their training can be approved as Local Audit Specialist Training, as detailed within the FRC’s revised guidance for Recognised Supervisory Bodies on the approval of Key Audit Partners for local audit (Specifically, Route 10, i, c). It is important to note that the criteria are the minimum standard necessary for approval. In addition, all relevant laws, regulations, codes, guidance notes and applicable audit and accounting standards must be explicitly incorporated within the training program.

Criteria

Title Content Assessment

Local audit context/introduction
  • Local auditors duties and responsibilities.
  • Overview of: Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (LAAA2014), Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, Code of Audit Practice, Auditor Guidance Notes (AGNs), CIPFA Financial Management Code, CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, Local Authority Financial Reporting and Movements in Reserves (MiRs) & Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statements (CIES).
  • Practice Note 10.
  • Public Rights.
  • Auditors Power to Act.

An appropriate assessment procedure that tests the full FRC criteria.

The audit of value for money (VfM) arrangements
  • The Legal and Professional Framework.
  • Understanding VfM - definition and importance.
  • Overview and VfM frameworks/differences from statutory audits.
  • Criteria to assess a local body’s arrangements to secure economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in its resources.
  • Reporting criteria: Financial sustainability, Governance and improving economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
  • Planning, additional risk-based procedures, analysis, and evaluation.
  • Reporting and recommendations.

An appropriate assessment procedure that tests the full FRC criteria.

Statutory Reporting
  • Understanding statutory requirements under LAAA2014 and the Code of Audit Practice.
  • Auditor’s annual report and completion certificate, including whole government account consideration.
  • Statutory recommendations
  • Other forms of reporting, including but not limited to, public interest reports.

An appropriate assessment procedure that tests the full FRC criteria.

Dealing with elector objections
  • Legal framework and rights
  • Procedures and timelines
  • Consideration of the objection, collection of evidence, and documentation
  • Communication and resolution

An appropriate assessment procedure that tests the full FRC criteria.

How to Apply

The application form to apply for a review of your training course, for recognition as a Local Audit Specialised Training in England, can be accessed below.

Application form
Name Local Audit Specialist Training Application Form
Publication date 13 November 2024
Format DOCX, 2.1 MB

You should complete the application form. Please email the application form with supporting material, as an attachment, to the FRC, email address: [email protected]. Upon receipt of the application form, FRC will email confirmation that the application and material has been received.

Guidance

Overview of the application process

  1. Review the FRC criteria and assessment requirements to ensure your training course meets all the relevant topics.
  2. Read the guidance to ensure you have all the information required to complete your application.
  3. Complete the application form and prepare the additional supporting information, as requested in the guidance.
  4. Send your completed application to [email protected].
Guidance
Name Approval of Local Audit Specialist Training - Guidance Note LAT 1
Publication date 13 November 2024
Type Guidance
Format PDF, 187.3 KB

Submit Updates

FRC will review the approval of the course on an annual basis. You must notify the FRC of any changes in the following information, within 15 business days of a change:

  1. Any change in the name of the course, so that the list may be updated.
  2. Any significant changes to the training program, learning materials, assessment methodologies, or the expertise of the training providers.
  3. Any updates or modifications to the course or its delivery.

Limitation of liability

  1. FRC has no liability beyond the review of the learning programme.

Please notify us of these changes by emailing us at [email protected].

List of Approved providers and course details

Number Name of provider Name of course External link

1

CIPFA

Diploma in Local Audit

Course webpage
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