The Audit, Assurance and Risk Committee is a Committee of the Council.
The Audit, Assurance and Risk Committee is chaired by a lay member of Council and comprises lay members of Council and co-opted lay members. All members are independent of the University's management, although senior executives attend meetings as necessary. The committee has a key role in the University's governance framework in ensuring that the University complies with Statutory, University and External Regulatory requirements in its financial and non-financial activities. In respect of the issues within its terms of reference, the committee has the authority to make recommendations to the University, its organisational units and its members.
Key responsibilities include:
- Advising Council on the appointment and performance of internal and external auditors;
- Reviewing audit plans, reports, and management responses;
- Monitoring the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and governance arrangements;
- Overseeing policies related to ethical conduct, whistleblowing, fraud, and regulatory compliance;
- Ensuring arrangements are in place for value for money, sustainability, and accurate data reporting;
- Reviewing elements of the annual financial statements and reporting annually to Council on the adequacy of assurance arrangements.
The Committee operates in line with the CUC Higher Education Audit Committee Code of Practice and reports annually to Council on its activities and findings.
During the 2025/26 academic year, the Committee will meet on:
- Friday 26 September 2025
- Friday 14 November 2025
- Friday 6 March 2026
- Friday 26 June 2026