Audit & Risk Assurance Committee / Advisory Panel Independent Members

Role Description

Independent Members of the Advisory Panel

To assist the Ombudsman in establishing:

·         the PSOW’s strategic direction, aims and objectives and targets;

·         key business policies;

·         key employment strategies and policies.

To scrutinise and assure:

·         the Three-Year Strategic Plan and the Annual Business Plan;

·         the budget estimates submission to the Finance Committee of the Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament;

·         high level budget allocation.

To monitor and review:

·         operational performance and delivery;

·         effectiveness of employment strategies and policies;

·         diversity and equal opportunities, particularly in relation to the Equality Act 2010

·         external communications strategies and stakeholder relations.

Independent Members of Audit & Risk Assurance Committee

To scrutinise and advise the Ombudsman, as Accounting Officer, on:

·         the strategic processes for risk, control and governance and the assurances that underpin the Annual Governance Statement;

·         the draft Strategic and Business plans, to ensure the economic, efficient and effective use of resources;

·         the financial health of the organization, including the quarterly management accounts;

·         the accounting policies, the annual accounts, including the process for preparation and management review of the accounts prior to submission for audit, and management’s letter of representation to the external auditors;

·         the planned activity and results of both internal and external audit;

·         the adequacy of management responses to issues identified by audit activity, and the timely implementation of internal and external audit recommendations;

·         assurances relating to the corporate governance requirements for the organisation, including ‘deep dive’ scrutiny of key risks;

·         proposals for tendering for Internal Audit services or for purchase of non-audit services from contractors who provide audit services;

·         anti-fraud policies, whistle-blowing processes, and arrangements for special investigations;

·         business continuity arrangements;

·         Health & Safety arrangements.