Introduction to Audit & Risk Assurance Committees

Introduction to Audit and Risk Assurance Committees is from our Accountability & Governance series. The course is set very firmly in the central government context, and reference will be made to the current guidance on governance and financial management arrangements that apply to government departments, non-ministerial departments, NDPBs and public corporations. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the role of the Committee, covering the areas on which the committee should focus governance arrangements, risk management, internal control, and financial reporting.

Introduction to Audit and Risk Assurance Committees is from our Accountability & Governance series. At the Civil Service College, we tailor our courses to each attendee’s role and organisation, ensuring that each participant gets the most out of the training. Our courses and trainers are continuously updated and evaluated to ensure that we are always delivering the best service possible. 

Key Training Features

Who Can Attend

Learning Outcomes

Key Training Features:

• Key governance role played by the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in government departments, Non-Departmental Public Bodies, and other arm’s length public bodies.
• The role of the NAO and Public Accounts Committee, the role of HM Treasury, Managing Public Money, and the role of the Accounting Officer
• The concepts of regularity propriety, value for money and feasibility.
• The committee’s role in relation to the management of risk, internal control, governance arrangements and financial reporting
• Current guidance available to committees on management of risk, cyber security, internal audit standards, the annual report and accounts and the governance statement.

Who Can Attend:

This course is suitable for public body non-executives from all UK jurisdictions who are members of an Audit and Risk Assurance Committee and also executives who collaborate with and supporting the work of the Committee. It is particularly relevant for those joining a public sector ARAC with limited experience of government to help understand the public sector governance, risk, control and accountability frameworks.

Pre - Requisites: 

Practical involvement with the work of an ARAC either as a committee member or someone who supports, reports to or attends the committee’s meetings

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the functions performed by an ARAC and the roles and responsibilities of the members and chair. This will help to enhance their confidence as members of ARACs and thus improve the performance of the Committees as a whole