A failure of compliance, huge overspends and repeated incidents of bypassed financial controls was identified by internal auditors reviewing procurement contracts handled by interim officers.

As a result, Dorset Council terminated the contracts of 11 interim officers in the council’s place assets & regeneration team as there was a serious ‘lack of compliance with financial controls and rising levels of budget overspend’.

After the staff were sacked, the council undertook a ‘deep dive’ review, finding more evidence of ‘poor financial control’ and a ‘lack of adherence to financial procedures and lack of project management’.

As a result of these findings, a counter fraud and investigations team was brought in to assist the council.