Services

WE OFFER A RANGE OF SERVICES TAILORED TO OUR CLIENT’S NEEDS

Our team tailors every engagement to your organisation’s requirements — from smaller charities seeking one-off assignments to larger organisations needing an ongoing internal audit partner — giving you clarity, confidence and practical recommendations that make a lasting impact. 

WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU NEED?

Your organisation wishes to review a specific risk area or topic.

VIEW

You are seeking expert partners to deliver your internal audit needs.

VIEW

 Your organisation is looking to set up an internal audit function for the first time.

VIEW

You’re looking to appoint a part-time head of internal audit to support in-house staff.

VIEW

Your board is seeking an effectiveness review.

VIEW

Not sure yet? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions

View FAQs
Person wearing a mustard yellow sweater typing on a laptop at a wooden table.
Decorative: Ribbon shape

One-off audit or consultancy assignment

Your trustees or senior management would like assurance or advice in relation to a particular topic.

This might be because current working practices need improvement or because it is a high-risk area where extra reassurance would be beneficial.  This may be a one-off project, or you may wish to commission projects from time-to-time as the need arises. Common topics we review include:

✔️ governance

✔️ financial controls

✔️ capital programmes and projects

✔️ safeguarding

✔️ ethical fundraising

enquire about a one-off project

WHAT CLIENTS SAYS ABOUT THIS PACKAGE

“Ashby Associates reports really add value and get to the heart of any issues. They provide clarity and a roadmap to improvement. Their wide-ranging experience gives a solid grounding for identifying realistic steps to make our controls better.  The team are also approachable, friendly and wise. We very much enjoy working with them.”

Britannia Morton, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive, Sadlers Wells

A group of people sitting at a wooden table, partially visible, during a meeting or discussion.

Complete Outsourced Internal Audit

A structured annual programme of audits (typically 2–4 audits a year), giving your organisation consistent, independent assurance across priority risks with clear reporting for trustees and management.

request ongoing support

WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT THIS PACKAGE

  • “We have only been working with Claire for a short time, but her experience in the sector has already made our change to Ashby Associates worthwhile. Her approach is not about ticking boxes to produce a report, but to provide real insights and recommendations for improvements and to take a holistic overview to our programme of risk assurance. Claire’s experience and approach has enabled her to quickly establish her credibility with the Audit & Risk Committee and we appreciate her as an advisor.”

    Caroline Britton, Royal Ballet & Opera trustee and Chair of Audit & Risk Committee

  • "The service that Ashby Associates provide to the Museum of the Home is a perfect match - a deep understanding of the cultural sector, and a pragmatic and proportionate approach that is appropriate to our scale. Our internal audit function is now closely aligned to our needs, risk register and the requirements of our stakeholders and staff. Claire has quickly made herself indispensable for the Executive and trustees - as a trusted partner."

    Frank Penter, Deputy Director, Museum of the Home

Decorative: Ribbon shape
Four professionals in a business meeting in a high-rise office with large windows, discussing documents on the table.

Set-up & Advisory Support

With our extensive experience, we can help you every step of the way such as:

✔️ deciding how to resource the function

✔️ setting up working practices

✔️ getting going with your first audits

get set-up
Two women sitting in a modern, well-lit room with large windows, engaged in conversation. One woman is taking notes, while the other listens, seated on a chair with a green cushion. A small round coffee table with a glass of water and other items is between them, and a large gray sofa is in the foreground.

Part-time Head of Internal Audit

Senior leadership and oversight for your internal audit function including:

✔️ mentoring in-house staff

✔️ shaping audit plans

✔️ ensuring high-quality assurance aligned with your organisation’s risk profile

hire a part-time head

WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT THIS PACKAGE

“As Breast Cancer Now has grown in size and scale, we wanted to setup our first internal audit function.  We asked Claire to act as our Head of Internal Audit and mentor one of staff who is training to be an internal auditor. A detailed, insightful and collaborative internal audit approach was adopted. This has resulted in a first-rate, cost-effective internal audit service which is highly valued by our trustees and senior management. Areas of risk have been identified and mitigated helping us increase the resilience of our charity. Claire has also provided a supportive coaching environment helping our staff member develop excellent internal audit skills.”

Chay Champness, Chief Operating Officer, Breast Cancer Now

Board Effectiveness Review

Meeting Charity Governance Code Requirements

An external, impartial assessment of board effectiveness:

✔️ providing balanced insight

✔️ clear recommendations

✔️ support for improvement

enquire about a review

Ready to get started?

Whether you’d like to ask a question, explore how we work, or discuss a potential assignment, we’re always happy to talk.

enquire now

Got Any Questions?

Here are some of our most asked questions. Get in touch if you have any other questions!

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.