Statement on historical accounting and governance issues
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board today discussed a final summary report on the accounting issues which occurred in 2021/22. This is to provide transparency and accountability and to ensure learning, with measures in place to safeguard that such matters do not happen in future.
This was clearly a serious and complex matter and a wide range of reviews, investigations and other processes have been undertaken as a result.
No evidence of fraud was found through investigations by Counter Fraud Wales and North Wales Police.
The report demonstrates the learning and actions implemented and there are now strengthened systems, culture, and leadership in place. Audit Wales has issued an unqualified audit opinion (a true and fair view) on the Annual Accounts for the last two financial years.
External bodies, through various reports and assurances, have recognised the progress made by the Health Board. We have, and will continue to learn from this experience as we build a culture of integrity, respect, and transparency across all areas of our organisation.
Further information
Summary of learning and action:
- Strengthened Financial Governance and Financial Improvement Plan in place – last two years clean bill of health on the Annual Accounts
- Strong financial performance, reducing financial overspend, exceeding Welsh Government target for 2024-25
- Improvements in Contract Procurement and Management
- Significant improvement in the quality of the draft financial statement presented for audit
- Further improvements in Information Governance processes
- Frameworks now in place setting out ambition and expectations for effective leadership and governance - including risk management framework, Integrated Performance Framework and an Integrated Planning Framework. These have underpinned improvement actions and organisational capability.
- Strengthened Corporate Governance
- Leadership - at the Board level, successful recruitment has taken place of a new Chair, Vice-Chair and Independent Board Members; a substantive Chief Executive and a significant number of Executive Team member roles.
- Culture of openness and transparency which Audit Wales and Welsh Government recognise.
Relevant links:
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board – Structured Assessment 2024 | Audit Wales
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board – Annual Audit Report 2024 | Audit Wales