FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STRATEGIC REPORT
GOVERNANCE
An External Quality Assessment (“EQA”) of Internal Audit is carried out every three to five years, with the last one being undertaken at the end of 2019. The EQA was completed by an independent firmwhich assessed the function against the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors’ standards with an overall rating of Generally Conforms, which is the highest rating that can be achieved. To provide on-going assurance to senior management and the Committee, Group Internal Audit has developed its control framework to undertake regular external assessments, which are supplementary to the EQA. During the year, the Director of Group Internal Audit reported on quality assurance reviews that had been performed. The function remains on its journey of continuous improvement with the full support of the Committee. WHISTLEBLOWING The Group has a whistleblowing framework that is designed to enable colleagues to raise concerns confidentially about conduct they consider contrary to the Group’s values such as unsafe or unethical practices. Any concerns can be reported anonymously by contacting an external confidential dedicated telephone hotline or via a secure web portal. The Committee receives regular updates on any concerns identified and, where appropriate, what action has been taken to address the issues raised. The Chair of the Committee is the Group’s whistleblowing champion and is responsible for ensuring and overseeing the integrity, independence, autonomy and effectiveness of the Group’s policies and procedures on whistleblowing, including the Group whistleblowing policy which is reviewed annually.
On behalf of the Group Audit Committee
PAUL BISHOP Chair, Group Audit Committee 9 March 2022
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