Internal audit: frequently asked questions
For any questions relating to internal audit in schools please contact the team or email the SIAS email on sias@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Investigate the reasons why School Comms is rejecting the transaction, which could be because the school do not have sufficient funds in the relevant bank account. In such instances, the school should speak to the Schools Funding Unit in order to discuss what options are available to refund the money due.
If this is not possible, refund parents via cheque where possible.
If both of the above are not possible, then it is possible to refund parents via bank transfer. If the school do not already have a BACS arrangement in place, a relevant member of staff will need to go to a branch to action this. If BACS arrangements are in place, then the school will need to take precautions to ensure that parents are being paid into the correct bank account and to minimise the likelihood of fraud within this process.
This requires a double-verification process with parents. For example, sending a letter to parents detailing the refund due, and requesting that a copy of the letter be returned signed, including the bank details that they wish the refund to be sent to. Then following this up by contacting the parents via the phone number on record at the school to confirm the details.
All payments must be refunded to the original payee, as any other action increases the risk of the School unwittingly supporting money laundering activities.