Creating “added value” internal audit and assurance functions

Overview

From creating added value internal audit and assurance function to building collective intelligence and an assurance ecosystem!

Given the rapid change in the way 2nd and 3rd line deliver assurance and advisory, shaped by digital disruption, AI and increased expectations,  there is a clear urge to go beyond traditional roles and operate as strategic business partners. 

In taking the next step, it is not anymore enough to focus on simply building trust, enhancing collaboration between the function and defining a shared purpose; to become strategically relevant we need to build an assurance ecosystem which collective intelligence provides the foresights the business needs to make better decisions. 

Therefore, we have evolved this interactive one-day workshop to explore not only what is needed today, but also what is expected tomorrow, developing an assurance system that is connected, aligned, and capable of delivering stronger and more relevant insights and forelights that provide greater business value.  

Target Audience

Senior internal auditors or/and assurance professionals, who have a managerial role or prepare to get into a leading/managerial role within their IA or assurance functions (managers, heads of function).

Course Objectives

The aim of this workshop is to trigger your mind shift on how assurance and advisory can be provided, create awareness of the wider assurance system,  and enhance your systemic thinking and the human skills that will enable you becoming the strategic partner the business needs, without losing your independence. . 

What will you take away from this one-day workshop?

• Understand how to evolve from an assurance provider to a strategic business partner. 
• Build trust and influence with stakeholders
• Understand how to develop an assurance system which builds collective intelligence for better decision making
• Define shared purpose and joined approach, while not completely blurring the lines
• Challenge your thinking and opening your horizons on how to connect the assurance dots
• Practical take aways to put into action.

Course Content

• Moving from providing assurance to creating impact. Understanding how 2nd and 3rd line can evolve into trusted advisors and increase their business relevance.
• Building trust and influence. Exploring how building trust at individual and team level, strengthens credibility, influence, and stakeholder trust. 
• Going beyond enhancing collaboration across 2nd and 3rd lines into developing collective intelligence. Exploring overlaps, gaps and opportunities for better alignment for assurance and advisory work.
• Developing an assurance ecosystem, through a shared purpose, diversity of skills & capabilities, which are complimentary. Exploring what a joined approach that preserves functions’ roles and responsibilities would look like, and how it can strategically serve the business.

Some of the questions we will aim to answer:

1. How can assurance functions more from being trusted to become strategic influential? – Build impact not just credibility.
2. How can 2nd and 3rd line go beyond simple collaboration,  to developing collective intelligence? – Co-creating insights & Foresights for the business
3. How can assurance functions define a shared purpose and a joined approach, while still preserving distinct roles & independence? -  Collaborating without losing clarity of contribution
4. What needs to change in my function? – plan into action

You are invited to bring your own questions relevant to this workshop and we will explore them together.