What is internal scrutiny?
Internal scrutiny is the process of checking that your financial and non-financial controls and risk management procedures are effective. 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 your financial and non-financial controls
- Making sure all categories of risk are being adequately identified, reported and managed
This is set out in sections 3.1 and 3.2 of the Academy Trust Handbook 2024.
As an audit and risk committee, your role is to oversee the person or people who carry out this work – you won't do this work yourself. You'll set the programme of work they follow, and receive reports.