Audit Committee ToR - NHS North Somerset

1. Constitution1.1 The Board hereby resolves to establish a Committee of theBoard to be known as the Audit Committee (The Committee).The Committee is a non-executive committee of the Board andhas no executive powers, other than those specifically delegatedin the Board’s Scheme of Delegation and these Terms ofReference.2. Purpose2.1 These Terms of Reference are based on the prescribed nationalmodel and reflect reports published by the Cadbury Committee,the Combined Code and published guidance and best practiceof the private and public sector. They reflect the particularnature of Audit Committees in the NHS and the growing role ofthe Committee in developing integrated governancearrangements and providing assurance that NHS bodies are wellmanaged across the whole range of their activities.3. Authority3.1 The Committee is authorised by the Board to investigate anyactivity within its terms of reference. It is authorised to seek anyinformation it requires from any employee and all employees aredirected to co-operate with any request made by the Committee.The Committee is authorised by the Board to obtain outsidelegal or other independent professional advice and to secure theattendance of outsiders with relevant experience and expertise ifit considers this necessary.3.2 The Committee may establish such sub-committees and taskgroups it feels necessary in order to undertake its role.4. Membership and Meeting Arrangements4.1 MembersThe Committee shall be appointed by the Board from amongstthe Non-Executive directors of the PCT and shall consist of notless than three members.The Chair of the PCT shall not be a member of the Committee.4.2 ChairThe Chair shall be appointed by the NHS AppointmentsCommission.Page 2 of 8