Members Present:
Dorinnia Carville, Chair (C&AG)
Rodney Allen (COO)
Patrick Barr (Director)
Suzanne Jones (Director)
Conor McGeown (Director)
Brian O’Neill (Director)
Seamus Wade (Director)
Tomas Wilkinson (Director)
In Attendance:
Garry Currie (Audit Manager) – Agenda item 1
Jill Aicken (Head of People and OD) – Agenda item 2
Megan O’Neill (Head of Corporate Services) – Agenda item 3
Frances Byrne (Head of Corporate Affairs) – Agenda item 4
Corey Parr (Senior Auditor) – Agenda item 7.2
Louise Halligan (Secretariat Support)
Apologies:
None
The C&AG welcomed Conor McGeown to his first monthly minuted SLT meeting in his new role as Director.
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest
There were no conflicts declared by members.
Minutes of previous meeting Matters Arising
Minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 November 2025 were agreed and the matters arising noted as updated.
1. Corporate Management Team (CMT) Briefing
Garry Currie provided a briefing on the recent CMT meeting, highlighting the following key areas:
• CMT welcomed the recent presentation to the Team by Beth Thompson on developments on the use of AI.
• Discussions surrounding the approval of HLA study leave and some technical areas including assets with a zero net book value as well as the proposed Operational structure.
2. People and OD
2.1 People and OD Monthly Report
Jill Aicken joined the meeting and briefed members on the report presented. The following key areas were highlighted for discussion:
• Members were asked to note the slight increase in staff sickness levels and assurance was provided that all absences were being managed in accordance with the Managing Absence Policy.
• Review of HR policies – work is progressing with the review and it is anticipated it will be completed by the end of March 2026. The C&AG requested that any staff training required as a result of the review be incorporated into the timeline for releasing the revised policies and circulars.
• Work relating to succession planning and talent management is currently underway.
• Benchmarking - procurement is currently in progress for a benchmarking review focusing on comparing NIAO job roles and responsibilities across other audit agencies, the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and the relevant local private sector market. This is scheduled to conclude by the end of February 2026, after which the findings will be presented to the Senior Leadership Team and will inform discussion with trade union side (TUS).
• Members were advised of the ongoing Internal Audit HR Health check.
2.2 EDI Strategy
Members were advised that the draft strategy presented reflects feedback received following consultation with SLT and all staff at a Staff Brief held on 22 October 2025. SLT endorsed the draft strategy presented for onward progression to TUS for consultation and to the Advisory Board for consideration at their next scheduled meeting in February 2026.
3. Financial Management/Corporate Governance
3.1 Corporate Services Report
Megan O’Neill briefed members on the Corporate Affairs report presented.
Finance
• Members noted the forecast figures presented based on current assumptions and acknowledged the identified areas of estimated expenditure.
Accommodation
• Work is taking place on the heating and ventiliation system. Mechanical Engineers and Heating Engineers are implementing a number of agreed actions to try to resolve ongoing issues.
• Liaison with potential tenants for the vacant office space is ongoing.
• Indoor Air Quality Assessment – Air quality testing was completed in November 2025 by an independent expert. The results were all positive with all results within acceptable parameters and no issues identified. This was welcomed by members.
Legal Advice
• Advice has been sought on the preparation of the tender for contracted-out audits.
4. Communications and Engagement
4.1 Corporate Affairs Report
Frances Byrne presented a report to update members on developments since the November SLT meeting. Members noted the report presented with no significant issues raised.
5. Strategic Projects
5.1 Workforce Planning
Seamus Wade provided an update on recent developments from the Operational Resource Team (ORT) relating to upcoming staff rotations. Members emphasised the critical importance of maintaining confidentiality when communicating this information to members of staff. The Corporate Management Team (CMT) will review and consider how to progress this at its next scheduled meeting.
5.2 People Engagement Programme
Rodney Allen requested that all templates be updated for 19 December 2025.
6. Strategic Performance
6.1 Management Information Report – Financial Audit and Public Reporting
A combined report providing a breakdown of the costs associated with financial audits and the costs and timing for completing public reports was presented. Members noted the report presented with no significant issues raised.
6.2 Position re Backlog Accounts
Members noted the position presented, discussion followed regarding the reasons for any backlog and target certification dates.
6.3 Policy Review – Quarterly update
Management Information Circulars (MICs) and Audit Policy Circulars (APCs) have been reviewed and are available for all staff to access on NIAOmi. A review of HR policies and circulars is currently underway. Updated guidance and training will be provided to staff when this review is complete.
7. Quality Report
7.1 Technical Team Update
Members noted the report presented. Suzanne Jones advised that the ICAEW QCR team have provided teams with a list of queries and these are due to be responded to this week. A meeting will be scheduled for mid-January 2026 to discuss the final status of the reviews. Progress will be reported at the February SLT and Advisory Board meetings.
Public Reporting Update
Patrick Barr advised that the Public Reporting Guidance is now complete. Work is underway to establish a link on NIAOmi to provide easy access to the guidance for staff. Training sessions will be scheduled in the new year.
7.2 Evaluation of the System of Quality Management
Suzanne Jones and Corey Parr briefed members on the review and evaluation of NIAO’s system of quality management. It is proposed that NIAO adopt a grading structure aligned with that used by other audit agencies. Members endorsed the proposed grading structure and assessment proposed. SLT expressed their appreciation to Corey for her significant contribution in this area. It was agreed that Suzanne and Corey will prepare a summary paper and attend the next Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) meeting scheduled for January 2026.
8. Risk Management
8.1 Corporate Risk Register (CRR)
Conor McGeown advised the CRR had been updated with final comments received from operational teams. Members were asked to consider and advise of any final changes.
8.2 Risk Management Strategy (RMS)
The RMS has now also been updated to align with the new risk approach.
SLT advised they were content with the CRR and RMS presented, updated versions of both documents will be placed on NIAOmi for staff access.
9. To Note
9.1 Advisory Board Draft minutes of meeting – 8 December 2025.
10. AOB
The C&AG wished all members a Happy Christmas and thanked them for their participation at SLT throughout the year.
11. Date of next meeting
The next monthly meeting will be held on 19 January 2026.