Comprehensive Internal Scrutiny and Assurance Services for Education

We provide independent internal scrutiny, assurance and consultancy services to schools, academy trusts, colleges and other educational organisations across a wide range of operational, financial and strategic areas.

Our reviews are designed to provide Trustees, Governors, Audit & Risk Committees and Senior Leaders with assurance that controls are operating effectively, risks are being managed appropriately, and resources are being used efficiently to support positive outcomes for learners.

Financial Governance and Financial Controls

Our specialist financial reviews cover all key areas of financial management, including:

• Banking and cash management
• Income and debt recovery
• Procurement and tendering
• Purchase ledger and expenditure controls
• Payroll and staff costs
• Credit cards and expenses
• Budget setting and monitoring
• Financial governance and delegated authorities
• Reserves and balance sheet management
• Fixed assets and capital projects
• Risk management and fraud prevention
• Compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook

Education and Operational Reviews

Our experienced education specialists provide independent reviews covering:

• SEND provision and statutory compliance
• Curriculum planning and delivery
• Teaching and Learning
• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Attendance and pupil engagement
• Behaviour and inclusion
• Pupil Premium and targeted funding
• Alternative provision
• Sixth Form provision

Safeguarding, Compliance and Risk

We provide assurance reviews across critical compliance areas including:

• Safeguarding and child protection
• Single Central Record
• Health and Safety
• GDPR and data protection
• Cyber security and information governance
• Business continuity and disaster recovery
• Allergen management
• Educational visits
• Risk management frameworks
• Governance effectiveness

People, Culture and Organisational Effectiveness

Reviews can also be undertaken across:

• Human Resources
• Recruitment and safer recruitment
• Staff wellbeing
• Performance management
• Training and development
• Workforce planning
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Emerging and Strategic Areas

As the education landscape continues to evolve, we also provide specialist reviews covering:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance and use within education
• Sustainability and environmental management
• Estates and facilities management
• Digital transformation
• Strategic planning and organisational resilience