Monday 15 September 2025, 10.00am
Board Room, University Street, Belfast
Members Present:
Dorinnia Carville, Chair (C&AG)
Rodney Allen (COO)
Patrick Barr (Director)
Suzanne Jones (Director)
Colette Kane (Director)
Brian O’Neill (Director)
Seamus Wade (Director)
Tomas Wilkinson (Director)
In Attendance:
Jill Aicken (Head of People and OD) – agenda item 1,2 and 3
Apologies
Louise Halligan (Secretariat Support)
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 21 July 2025 were agreed and the matters arising noted as updated.
Corporate Management Team (CMT) Briefing
The next CMT meeting is scheduled for 18 September 2025 and an update will be provided at the next SLT meeting.
People and OD
2.1 People and OD Monthly Report
Jill Aicken presented a report, members were asked to note the reduction in sickness levels for the year to 31 August 2025, current recruitment opportunities, training and current projects in progress, namely review of HR policies, EDI submission and the People Engagement Programme. Members were asked to ensure all mid-year staff appraisals are completed as soon as possible.
Strategic Projects
3.1 Accommodation Project
Rodney Allen outlined the ongoing efforts to secure tenants for the vacant office space in the current challenging market. Members discussed and suggested other potential options.
Workforce Planning
Seamus Wade provided an update on a recent paper prepared by the Operational Resource Team (ORT) relating to the Operational Structure to deliver a model of financial and performance audits which members welcomed and asked the ORT to explore some further options.
- Strategic Performance
Management Information (MI) 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 raised queries and also noted the report provided the number of management letter points accepted by audited bodies.
4.2 Position re Backlog Accounts
Members noted the positive position presented with no issues raised.
Policy Review – Quarterly Update
The Management Information Circulars (MICs) have been reviewed and are available for all staff on NIAO’s “General Access” folder, which now includes only relevant up to date Circulars. The Audit Policy Circulars have been reviewed and are available for all staff on NIAO’s “General Access” folder. Any circulars that are now not relevant are included in a folder titled “Withdrawn Circulars” in the “Audit Policy” Tab under Circulars. A resource has now been recruited to undertake a review of the Personnel Policy Circulars and other HR related policies to ensure they are statutory compliant and up to date. This work is anticipated to complete by 31 October 2025. The Information and IT Security Manual was issued to staff via MIC 11/25 on 11 September 2025 and training will be provided in the coming weeks, with Board Members to be invited to attend any relevant training. Members welcomed this good progress.
4.4 Net Zero Action Plan – Quarterly Update
A report to provide an update on progress against the action plan was presented and members raised some queries around how progress is being measured. Members were advised that out of 18 action points 15 have been completed with the remaining three currently being addressed.
4.5 Annual Business Plan
The 2025-26 Business Plan (previously agreed by Members at a weekly meeting of SLT on 29 July 2025) was approved, subject to some minor amendments.
4.6 KPI Progress
Members were provided with progress against KPIs as at 31 August 2025.
4.7 Contracting out arrangements – current strategic position
Tomas Wilkinson provided a paper highlighting options in relation to the arrangements for future procurement of financial audits with private sector partners. After discussion, members recommended further development of a preferred option which would be reported back as soon as possible.
Quality Report
5.1 Technical Team Update
Members noted the report presented with no significant issues raised.
5.2 Public Reporting (PR) Update
Patrick Barr provided an update on Public Reporting Guidance, the work of the Practitioner Group, training and the timing of peer reviews. Members welcomed the learning and development opportunities in public reporting for staff.
Financial Management
6.1 Corporate Services Report
Finance
Finance - Brian O’Neill provided forecast figures based on current assumptions, noting areas of expenditure estimates.
- Budget Forecast – An evidence session has been scheduled with the NI Assembly Audit Committee on 17 September 2025 to consider NIAO’s budget request for 2026-27 to 2028-29 and capital budget for 2026-27 to 2029-30.
- Corporate Governance
Business Support Services Report
A report to update members on Complaints, Procurement, Legal Advice, Information Management, Governance and Assembly Liaison was presented. No significant issues were raised.
7.2 Register of Interests
Rodney Allen presented a paper informing members that the register of interests for 2025/26 is complete and the NIAO website has been updated.
Communications and Engagement
8.1 Communications and Engagement Report
A report to update members on recent media coverage and social media activity was presented.
9. Risk Management
9.1 Corporate Risk Register
Colette Kane presented a summary of the risks following a recent workshop with SLT. A further workshop, with the Advisory Board, is scheduled for 29 September 2025 to discuss the revised corporate risks.
10. Papers noted:
Agenda for the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee meeting on 22 September 2025
Agenda for the Advisory Board meeting on 29 September 2025
11. Matters for Escalation to Advisory Board, ARAC, RemCom
Papers for escalation to ARAC:
11.1 Internal Audit – Budgetary Control
11.2 Internal Audit – Business Continuity
11.3 Internal Audit – Risk Management (Advisory)
AOB
None.
13. Date of next meeting
The next monthly meeting will be held on 20 October 2025.