Our Approach
A CLEAR COLLABORATIVE PROCESS BUILT AROUND YOUR ORGANISATION’S NEEDS
We follow a structured four-step approach, with every engagement shaped around your organisation’s specific needs and priorities.
The foundations of our process
1. PROPOSAL
Every assignment starts with a bespoke proposal tailored to your needs. After discussing your objectives, we will prepare a proposal with details of our approach, the delivery team and the most importantly, the outputs in terms of reporting and feedback.
We’ll also provide details of fees – clients often comment we provide good value for money compared to traditional internal audit providers.
2. PLANNING & SCOPING
Before we commence work, we will meet with key client contacts to discuss timelines, approach and logistics.
We will revisit the objectives and scope from our proposal - to ensure our approach is proportionate and targeted from the outset.
3. FIELDWORK
Depending on the engagement, this may take place remotely, on-site, or as a mix of both.
Our team meets with staff, reviews documentation and records, and explores “what-if” scenarios to assess how risks are managed in practice.
4. REPORTING
We tailor every report to your organisation’s needs — providing clear, actionable recommendations and insights that improve risk management & efficiency and strengthen resilience.
Get in touch with us for a tailored proposal
Quality & Regulatory Arrangements
When you engage Ashby Associates, you can be confident that our work meets the highest professional and ethical standards. We combine regulatory oversight with robust internal safeguards to ensure every engagement delivers trusted, independent assurance and advice.
MEMBER FIRM
Ashby Associates is registered firm of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a practicing certification to supply internal audit services.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Our work is aligned to the requirements of Global Internal Audit Standards as applicable to each assignment. By aligning with these globally recognised standards, we ensure the quality of our services.
BEST PRACTICE IT
We adopt best practice cybersecurity and data privacy measures, independently reviewed each year.
FULLY INSURED
We hold comprehensive professional indemnity and cyber insurance cover to provide additional peace of mind for all clients.
Got Any Questions About Our Processes?
Here are some of my most asked questions. Get in touch if you have any other questions!
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Undertaking internal audits is a sign of good governance and that a charity wants to improve its resilience and risk management.
Internal auditors work in organisations of all sizes and scale. They are often termed the “organisation’s critical friend” as they review and challenge business processes, compliance solutions and risk mitigations to help organisation’s weather issues and risks.
In FSTE100 companies, larger charities and the public sector, internal audit functions are standard practice. In some sectors, they are required by regulators or key funders.
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Yes, absolutely ! Please do reach out for an informal chat and advice on how to get going. We are always happy to help charities with advice on how to set up internal audit to suit your needs.
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We have a number of quality measures built into our working practices. You can find out more here (link to the quality section).
Internal Audit is overseen by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors who set the professional standards we work to. You can find out more on their website.
Get in touch with us for a tailored proposal
Every project is shaped around your organisation’s goals and way of working. If our approach feels like the right fit, we’ll prepare a detailed proposal tailored to your needs. Once you’re happy to proceed, our friendly team will begin the assignment — adapting each stage to suit the nature and scope of your work.