The Christie Foundation Trust Annual Report and Accounts 2021-22

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Annual Report & Accounts 2021-22

Data Quality & Governance The Board of Directors has engaged the external auditors to provide assurance that the quality of our data is accurate and that there are appropriate systems of internal control. This data may relate to quality indicators such as infection rates, levels of complaints and incidents as well as progress against national and internal targets including all national cancer standards, diagnostic waits and referral to treatment standards. The external auditors have reviewed data sets as prescribed by NHS Improvement. This data is reviewed by the Board throughout the financial year in the integrated performance and quality report. Our performance reporting presents a balanced view and is based on accurate data. The Board of Directors’ is assured of this through the Trust’s governance processes and leadership by the executive team. Systems are in place to collect, validate and analyse all data using the appropriately skilled team. This may be the information or performance team, infection control team, internal audit team, the quality & standards team or the NHS England cancer waiting times team. Our monthly integrated performance and quality report details this data every month. The monthly reports are considered by the senior clinicians and managers of the organisation at monthly management board and performance review meetings and by the board of directors. Review of effectiveness As Accounting Officer, I have responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the system of internal control. My review of the

effectiveness of the system of internal control is informed by the work of the internal auditors, clinical audit, the executive and clinical leads within the NHS Foundation Trust who have responsibility for the development and maintenance of the internal control framework. I have drawn on performance information available to me. My review is also informed by comments made by the external auditors in their management letter and other reports. I have been advised on the implications of the result of my review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control by the Board, Audit Committee, Quality Assurance Committee and the Risk & Quality Governance Committee and a plan to address weaknesses and ensure continuous improvement of the system is in place. The Board Assurance Framework provides me with evidence that the effectiveness of controls to manage risks to the organisation achieving its principal objectives have been reviewed. My review is also informed by: • Assessment of financial reports submitted to NHS Improvement, the Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts • The CQC comprehensive inspection in May 2016 & the routine and well led inspection in 2018 • Opinions and reports made by external auditors • Opinions and reports made by internal auditors • NHS Litigation Authority claims profile and other external inspections, accreditations and reviews.

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