Class 7. Reports and Independent Enquiries

Class Description: Independent Inspections and findings regarding the organisation

Contents Table

Trust Accounts

The Trust’s accounts are audited annually by independent auditors who provide a certificate on the accuracy of the financial statements. This certificate is included within the Trust’s annual accounts.

Value for Money Studies

Value for money studies into Trust activities are carried out annually by independent management consultants appointed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The areas selected for review are determined by the DHSSPS and the audit scope agreed by the DHSSPS and the management consultants however in general these studies mirror large-scale reviews carried out by the National Audit Office in England. The results of the value for money studies for all Trusts in Northern Ireland are summarised into a regional report which is available to the public.

Charter Mark

Each year the Trust participates in the National Charter Mark Award for excellence in public service.

The cabinet office assessors visit those areas that have applied for an award and provide invaluable feedback reports on how the service is meeting the national standards for customer service. This also provides a benchmark for our services with the rest of the United Kingdom.

The Health & Personal Social Services Regulation and Improvement Authority

As part of the new “Quality, Improvement and Regulation Northern Ireland Order 2003”, an independent body will be set up in 2004 to monitor all HPSS organisations. At present new standards are being devised regionally for all services and Trusts will be audited and monitored on these standards. Reports will be sent to each Trust on their achievement and improvement notices will be issued with action timescales.

Equality Commission

The Trust is required to submit a report to the Equality Commission on an annual basis regarding progress on the implementation of its Equality Scheme.

Class No: 7

Class Name: Reports and Independent Enquiries

Class Description: Independent Inspections and findings regarding the organisation

Reference Number	Content Title	Content Description	How to obtain / format	Frequency of update	Available From
7.1	Charter Mark Feedback	Assessors feedback on Trust Charter Mark assessment	Hard copy on request	Annual	Quality Department 02890 327156
7.2	Charter Mark Application	Report on how service meets Charter Mark criteria	Hard copy on request	Annual	Quality Department 02890 327156
7.3	Annual Report to Equality Commission	Progress report on the implementation of the Trust’s Equality Scheme	www.nwb.n-i.nhs.uk Hard copy on request	Annual	Equality Department 02890 327156
7.4	Annual Accounts	Set of full year accounts and audit certificate	Hard copy on request	Annual	Finance Department 02890 327156