Audit and Risk Committees: Roles and Responsibilities for New and Existing Members

Please Note: This is an in person workshop taking place in the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4.

Workshop Overview 

This training aims to equip new and existing Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) members with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil their roles effectively. Participants will gain a clear understanding of public sector governance requirements, ARC responsibilities, and practical approaches to managing risk, evaluating internal audit processes, and ensuring compliance with governance codes.

The workshop includes an interactive simulated committee member meeting which will give attendees the experience of an ARC meeting from agenda through to action and will recognise the requirements for Accountability, Assurance, Internal Audit and Risk Management- the four pillars of public sector governance.

By the end of the programme, participants will:

• Have a comprehensive understanding of ARC roles and responsibilities.
• Be able to evaluate and strengthen internal audit and risk management processes.
• Confidently contribute to the effectiveness of ARC meetings and governance outcomes.
• Gain practical experience in running an ARC meeting.

Learning Outcomes   

1. Understanding Public Sector Governance
   • Accountability, Assurance, Internal Audit, and Risk Management: The Four Pillars.
2. Legal and Regulatory Requirements for ARCs
   • Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016.
   • Establishing responsibilities through an ARC Charter.
3. Evaluating ARC Effectiveness
   • Self-assessment and defining an effective committee.
4. Audit Planning and Risk Management
   • Audit Planning Memorandum (C&AG).
   • Evaluating internal audits and risk management processes.
5. Key Responsibilities in Practice
   • Review of Risk Registers, Internal Audit Plans, and Governance Statements.
   • Addressing emerging risks, including geopolitical, cyber, AI, and ESG concerns.

Interactive Workshop: Simulated ARC Meeting

Participants will apply their learning in a simulated ARC meeting to:

• Elect a Chairperson and minute-taker.
• Review and discuss key agenda items, including:
  • Expertise and composition of ARC members.
  • Internal Audit Plans and organizational risk priorities.
  • Risk Register and Governance Statement reviews.
• Identify and categorise risks (High, Medium, Low).
• Draft a meeting calendar and review sample minutes.

Who Should Attend ?

This workshop will benefit all new and experienced members involved in Audit and Risk Committees in public sector organisations.

The practical simulated meeting workshop element will allow attendees to experience a live meeting from agenda through to action which will reinforce the practical learnings of the workshop.

Tailored Training