Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Internal Audit Charter, Mandate and Strategy

A clear charter and strategy give internal audit the authority, independence and direction it needs. This course covers drafting the internal audit charter, defining the mandate, reporting lines and independence, aligning with professional standards, setting a function strategy, stakeholder expectations and measuring audit performance.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Many audit functions lack a clear mandate or strategy, limiting their impact. You will learn to position internal audit strategically.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Charter drafting workshops, strategy development exercises, stakeholder mapping and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Draft or update an internal audit charter
Define audit mandate and scope
Safeguard independence and objectivity
Align with professional standards
Develop an internal audit strategy
Measure and report audit performance

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Heads of internal audit
Audit managers
Audit committee members
Governance professionals
Senior auditors

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Charter drafting
Strategic planning
Independence management
Stakeholder engagement
Performance measurement

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Purpose of Internal Audit

09:00–10:08Role and value
10:08–11:00Professional standards
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Professional standards (continued)
11:45–12:53Stakeholders
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Charter and Mandate

09:00–10:08Charter content
10:08–11:00Mandate
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Mandate (continued)
11:45–12:53Authority
12:53–14:00Drafting workshop

Day 3Independence

09:00–10:08Reporting lines
10:08–11:00Objectivity threats
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Objectivity threats (continued)
11:45–12:53Safeguards
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 4Strategy

09:00–10:08Vision and priorities
10:08–11:00Capabilities
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Capabilities (continued)
11:45–12:53Technology
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 5Performance

09:00–10:08KPIs
10:08–11:00Quality
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Quality (continued)
11:45–12:53Stakeholder feedback
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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