The principle aim of the contract is to identify and appoint a provider to carry out the statutory audit required under relevant guidance issued through the Foundation Trust’s independent regulator, monitor. The provider must carry out its functions in the manner prescribed in the audit code for NHS Foundation Trusts, issued by monitor. This will include providing an opinion on the following:

— That the accounts have been prepared in accordance with the relevant statutes, regulations and directions,

— That proper practices have been observed in the compilation of the accounts,

— That proper arrangements have been made for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resources,

— That the quality report has been prepared in accordance with the detailed guidance issued by monitor.

The provider will also be required to:

— Consider the completeness of disclosures in the annual governance statement and identify any inconsistencies between the disclosures and any information that the auditor may be aware of,

— Review the annual report and consider the implications for the audit opinion if there are apparent misstatements of fact or material inconsistencies with the financial statements.