Members Present:
Chairperson, Marie Mallon OBE
Dean Sullivan, Non-Executive Director
Jill Laughlin, Non-Executive Director
Claire McAleenan, Non-Executive Director
Dorinnia Carville, Comptroller and Auditor General
Rodney Allen, Chief Operating Officer
In Attendance:
Brian O’Neill, Director of Corporate Services
Megan O’Neill, Head of Corporate Services
Jill Aicken, Head of People and Organisational Development - Agenda Item 7
Nicola Maguire, Auditor - Agenda Item 7
Andrea Quinn, Auditor - Agenda Item 7
Frances Byrne, Head of Corporate Affairs – Agenda Item 8
Andrea Vincent, Secretariat Support
Apologies
Apologies recorded for Louise Halligan
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest No conflicts of interest were recorded.
Minutes of previous meeting
The Chairperson noted the minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2025 were agreed by all parties concerned. There were no matters arising to note.
1. C&AG Briefing – Key Developments
Public Reporting – The C&AG provided an update on public reports published since the previous Board meeting, along with the anticipated publication schedule for the coming months.
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) - The C&AG provided an update on evidence sessions held since the last Advisory Board meeting and topics currently being considered by the Committee.
Northern Ireland Assembly Audit Committee (NIAAC) – An update was provided on a recent evidence session attended by the C&AG and the COO to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIAO and NIAAC.
Finance Committee – An update was provided on a recent evidence session attended by the C&AG and the COO at the Finance Committee to discuss the role of the NI Fiscal Council.
Chartered Accountant’s Ireland Annual Dinner – Rodney Allen attended and a short video showcasing the Institute’s work with trusted business leaders was presented on the night and NIAO was delighted to be included as one of those key stakeholders.
Quality Control Report (QCR) - A full report from ICAEW following their review of 2024-25 financial audits is expected soon and will be formally reviewed and an analysis presented to the audit and risk assurance committee at its next meeting’. Discussion followed surrounding the need to identify the root cause of issues and the scope for improvement by in depth analysis and to identify from the remaining audits any concerns and recurring issues. Members asked for an update at their March workshop.
Café Conversations –Feedback following a recent staff survey has indicated that the café conversations between Board Members and staff after the Board meeting on 8 December 2025 were very well received with positive results and suggested themes for future events identified.
2. Committee Updates
Dean Sullivan provided an update from the ARAC meeting held on 26 January 2026.
3. Corporate Report
Brian O’Neill provided an update on the red and amber KPIs along with additional information relating to Finance and IT, People and Organisational Development, Business Support, Governance, and Audit Quality. Members reviewed the report in detail, raising queries focussed on the RAG status of each area.
Attendance Management - Members were asked to note the staff sickness levels reported and welcomed the assurance provided that all absences are being actively managed in accordance with the NIAO Managing Absence Policy. Discussion focused on long term absences and how NIAO compares to other public sector organisations.
4. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Presentation
Members welcomed that Diversity Mark accreditation has been successfully obtained and congratulated all involved in the process of obtaining accreditation. Staff will be advised at the staff brief scheduled for 25 February 2026 with a presentation of the award to follow.
EDI Presentation - Andrea Quinn and Nicola Maguire joined the meeting and with Jill Aickenpresented the new NIAO EDI Strategy which was extremely well received by Members. The Chair congratulated the team on their important work to date. Andrea Quinn, Nicola Maguire and Jill Aicken left the meeting.
5. Draft Communications and Engagement Strategy
Frances Byrne joined the meeting and presented the draft strategy, which is designed to support the delivery of the priorities set out in the NIAO Corporate Plan 2024- 2029 through the development of a strategic communications approach based on a clear understanding of NIAO’s key audiences and the strategic environment within which NIAO operates. Members welcomed the draft strategy and discussion followed. Members were assured that the strategy would be completed by 31 March 2026 along with an action plan. Frances Byrne left the meeting.
6. Outline of Advisory Board Workshop
A workshop will be held on 31 March 2026, and topics were discussed and agreed.
7. Advisory Board Annual Programme of Work
Members agreed the forward work programme presented.
8. Remuneration Committee – Draft Minutes – 8 December 2025
Members approved the draft minutes presented.
9. A.0.B
Members were advised of the recent appointment to the post of Head of Quality & Innovation, another important development for the progression of corporate priorities.
10. Date of next meetings –
• Workshop – 31 March 2026
• Advisory Board – 8 June 2026