Internal Scrutiny Services

Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) are seeking Internal Scrutiny Services in line with the Academy Trust Handbook. All academy trusts must have a programme of internal scrutiny to provide independent assurance to the board that its financial and non-financial controls, and risk management procedures are operating effectively.

This internal scrutiny must focus on:

• evaluating the suitability of, and level of compliance with, financial and non-financial controls
• offering advice and insight to the board on how to address weaknesses in financial and non-financial controls
• ensuring all categories of risk are being adequately identified, reported and managed

The trust must identify on a risk-basis (with reference to its risk register) the areas it will review each year.

The successful internal scrutiny partner will be expected to deliver the following services as a minimum:

• Produce an agreed strategic internal scrutiny plan for presentation and approval at the Risk and Audit Committee
• Produce an internal scrutiny plan for each area being reviewed
• Produce an annual internal scrutiny report and present at the Risk and Audit Committee.
• Produce recommendations following the internal scrutiny report to mitigate risk and/or make improvements
• Attendance at the Risk and Audit Committee.
• Review Finance areas annually
• Review all other areas on a 3-year rotation

NB - Internal Scrutiny Areas out of scope due to 3rd party reviews already in place - Human Resources, Cyber Security, Education & Governance.

BDAT are inviting firms to tender for the Internal Scrutiny appointment. This will be a 3 plus 2 years contract. Bids should be submitted by email to Ashley.reed@bdat-academies.org (CFO).