Members Present:
Chairperson, Marie Mallon OBE
John Turkington, Non-Executive Director
Dorinnia Carville, Comptroller and Auditor General
Rodney Allen, Chief Operating Officer
In Attendance:
Brian O’Neill, Director
Jill Laughlin
Claire McAleenan
Dean Sullivan
Debra Taylor, Secretariat Support
Apologies
Anu Kane
Welcome to new members
The Chairperson formally welcomed everybody including, in observer capacity at this point, the three new Advisory Board members, Jill Laughlin, Claire McAleenan and Dean Sullivan whose appointments are being confirmed. The Chairperson provided an update on the role of the NIAO Advisory Board and encouraged everyone to participate freely in the meeting.
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest.
Minutes of previous meeting
The Chairperson noted the minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2024 were agreed by all parties concerned. The Matters Arising from the meeting were also noted as having been actioned.
1.Committee Updates
Audit and Risk Assurance Committee - meeting held 27 January 2025
John Turkington provided details of the most recent ARAC meeting held on 27 January 2025, noting specifically the following:
External Audit - the external audit strategy was presented by Ronan Lappin, SCC Accountants.
Internal Audit – the internal audit strategy was presented by Lee Glover, Validera.
Corporate Risk Register – an update was provided on changes to the risk register, particularly in relation to the organisation’s response to enhanced quality and a potential restructuring of the Corporate Risk Register will be taken forward, initially by the Corporate Risk Register Working Group.
Frauds, Raising Concerns and Complaints- No ongoing or new cases recorded.
Next ARAC meeting 28 May 2025
2. Corporate Report
Brian O’Neill presented a report to update members on Finance and IT; People and Organisational Development; Business Support and Governance and Audit Quality. Discussion took place on the following key areas:
Finance and IT - Members noted the variances from budget for 2024-25 and discussion followed regarding the reasons for the variation reported. Members noted the underspend in the current year against the increase in budget sought for next year. Members took assurance from the explanation of the need to maintain baseline budget to meet operational needs and the ongoing work to increase capacity and capability. Members were assured there were no significant IT issues arising.
Accommodation - Members were advised that a lease with an organisation was signed on 1 February 2025 with fit-out works ongoing. There continues to be interest from other organisations in the remaining available space.
Business continuity plan – Members were advised that the BCP was successfully enacted during the recent storm Éowyn on 24 January 2025.
Internal Audit – Work has commenced by Validera on each of the audits scheduled for the current year.
People and OD – Members were provided with an update on the latest recruitment exercises – Auditors and three new Heads of posts, namely, Head of Corporate Services, Head of Quality and Innovation and Head of Corporate Affairs. Discussion followed around NIAO’s extensive work force planning, specialised roles in NIAO, staff number targets for the incoming year and the potential future impact of developments in AI.
Attendance Management – Members noted the figures presented from 1 April to date, split between long term and short-term absences. A query was raised which was explained by management and will be corrected going forward.
Annual Leave Balances – Members were provided with an update on Annual Leave Balances and assurances were given that annual leave balances are closely monitored by SLT.
Learning and Development – Members were provided with an update on the training events held since the October 2024 board meeting.
Employee Opinion Survey – A final report on the findings is imminent and will be shared with SLT when available.
Diversity Mark – An application towards Diversity Mark accreditation was submitted on 31 January 2025.
Legal Services - Carson McDowell have been appointed as NIAO’s new legal services provider.
Procurement – Members were provided with an update on procurement exercises since the last Board meeting.
Technical and Quality - Members were appraised of the current position concerning audit quality in NIAO and the ongoing ICAEW reviews, pending receipt of the final report.
3. Assembly Update
The C&AG provided an overview of her role to members, along with a briefing on NIAO’s engagement with the Public Accounts Committee, the Northern Ireland Assembly Audit Committee and Statutory Committees.
4. Advisory Board Self-Assessment Exercise
The Chairperson provided an overview of the recent Advisory Board Self-Assessment Exercise, outlining that the Board is operating effectively in each area and also highlighting the need to further strengthen the relationships with key stakeholders and the importance of a structured induction programme, which was welcomed by the new members. Learning and development needs for Board members will be discussion at the induction day.
5. Advisory Board Annual Programme of Work 2025/26
Members endorsed the programme presented, the Chairperson advised that additional agenda items may be added as and when required.
6. Review of SLT Terms of Reference – 2025/26
Members endorsed the revised ToR, which includes additional information relating to the interaction/relationship between SLT and the Corporate Management Team (CMT). SLT had approved these ToR at its February meeting.
7. Date of next meeting – 9 June 2025
8. AOB
The Chairperson noted this was the last Advisory Board meeting to be attended by John Turkington as he has reached the end of his contract and along with the C&AG and COO she thanked John for his contribution over the previous six years. John expressed his thanks to the Board for the excellent work and support during the course of his tenure at NIAO.