Internal Scrutiny for Schools and Academy Trusts
Schools and Trusts rightly demand excellence in their buildings and estates, as they do with every aspect of their institutions.
In this current year’s Academy Trust Handbook, the Government has introduced heightened expectations, particularly around cybersecurity and digital transparency. Now more than ever, robust internal scrutiny has never been more essential.
“Robust internal scrutiny protects trusts from risk, strengthens governance and ensures compliance with rising DfE standards.”
Ian Harrington, Regional Managing Partner (North)
What is internal scrutiny?
Internal scrutiny, or internal auditing, is the process of confirming assurances for governors and trustees that an estate is in working order. This is done through reporting in established and standardised ways on a number of different aspects such as financial controls and non-financial controls (such as compliance). Given to an established audit committee, the findings from internal scrutiny can contribute to funding applications, legal disputes, and more.
Do Eddisons do internal scrutiny audits?
Our team delivers tailored auditing programmes, characterised by a multidisciplinary approach to overseeing estates and their management. This comprehensive offering includes:
Estates and financial controls
Covering procurement, capital project oversight, asset registers, payroll for estates staff, and utilities and energy governance.
Compliance
Encompassing fire safety, asbestos, water hygiene, accessibility compliance, insurance, and statutory checks.
Digital assurance
Assessing CAFM systems, backup protocols, ransomware safeguards, and progress toward the DfE’s digital standards.
ESG and transparency
Reviewing decision-making processes, estates investment governance, and executive pay policies.
Through site visits, document reviews, and interviews with facilities leaders, we gather evidence and insights, whilst conducting our services with a measured focus on risk management and governance.
Added value to our internal scrutiny service
Data-driven recommendations
You receive clear, risk-rated findings with actions, followed by a polished report for your Audit & Risk Committee.
Annual reporting
Our year-end report is designed to support your governance statement and satisfy DfE requirements.
Policy Templates
Ready-to-use guides and forms for estates management, cyber resilience and risk documentation.
Follow-up reviews
We return to validate your progress on previous recommendations on a regular, arranged basis.
Arrange your internal scrutiny audit today
Please contact us today to arrange your internal scrutiny audit. You can reach us by calling 0808 253 9150 or completing the form below. A member of our team will then be on hand to discuss your requirements.
Latest news and insights
View our latest news along with insights from our expert team of chartered surveyors on all things education estates.
