Internal Scrutiny
Robust internal scrutiny helps identify risks, improve processes, and support compliance with regulatory requirements, giving trustees confidence in decision-making.
Why Choose SBS for Internal Scrutiny?
SBS’s Internal Scrutiny service is exclusively designed for the education sector, providing your Academy Trust with specialist expertise in risk management and operational assurance. Our qualified auditors have extensive, hands-on experience within schools and MATs, offering unparalleled insights and tailored solutions that set us apart.
As education specialists, we provide in-depth scrutiny across all areas of school operations.
From financial management, governance, risk management, HR and payroll, estates, safeguarding and SEND, pupil attendance, data and technology – we understand the unique challenges trusts face.
With SBS’s Internal Scrutiny your trust benefits from broad, education-focused expertise and insights, offering a truly comprehensive assurance service.
Our team has extensive experience within the education sector, working exclusively with schools and trusts.
We understand the unique challenges that MATs and academies face and bring our in-depth knowledge of the sector to identify, mitigate, and manage risks effectively.
Working directly with over 150 MATs and academies, we are uniquely placed to share best practices from across the sector.
Enhance your governance oversight with independent, external advice from a trusted partner who understands the unique challenges of the education sector. Our expert auditors act as a critical friend, providing objective insights and actionable recommendations to strengthen your Trust’s financial and operational resilience.
Our service ensures your trust stays compliant with statutory duties, including timely submission of your summary report and year-end accounts before December 31st.
“This is highly organised and the audits are extremely thorough, providing an extensive report for our board to monitor progress, identify gaps and take forward recommendations on how we can improve our service to the highest possible standard. The audits are completed remotely and the college feedback and responses are taken into consideration prior to the production of the final audit report. I would recommended this services to others.”
Protect Your Trust from Financial and Operational Risks
Our Internal Scrutiny service is based on a risk-driven approach, ensuring that we focus on the areas that matter most to your trust. Here’s how it works:
Identify Risks That Matter Most
We begin by working collaboratively with your team to assess your strategic objectives and the risks that could prevent you from achieving them.
We review your risk register and prioritise key risks that need attention.
Regular Reviews & Audits
Once key risks are identified, we plan a programme of work to assess the controls you currently have in place.
We focus on ensuring your processes and controls are functioning effectively to mitigate those risks.
Supporting Continuous Improvement
Our experts offer valuable advice on how to improve processes, sharing templates, good practices, and solutions that have worked well across other trusts.
This not only helps you stay compliant but also boosts efficiency and effectiveness in your operations.
“Their approach, the staff, the thoroughness/rigor level that they adopt, the recommendations, the reporting style or more importantly their collaboration with our Trust Board to ensure that the IS work absolutely aligns with our strategic priorities and is cross referenced to our risk register.”
Internal Scrutiny Service Breakdown
School Business Services can help your Trust build a strong culture of risk management. Our Internal Scrutiny programme streamlines systems and processes, helping you save time and money — so you can focus on enhancing educational outcomes for your learners. See how SBS compare against Financial Auditors.
| Areas of Scrutiny | SBS | Financial Auditor |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Cash & Bank |
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| Financial processes, budgeting & reporting | ||
| Procurement | ||
| Risk Management | ||
| People HR & payroll systems |
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| Organisational culture & planning | ||
| Teachers' pensions reporting | ||
| Safeguarding including Single Central Record (SCR) & Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) |
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| Governance & IT Fraud, theft and bribery |
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| Data & IT issues | ||
| Governance structure | ||
| Business continuity plans | ||
| Premises Building issues and health & safety |
Meet our Internal Scrutiny Lead
Amelia Clark – Head of Internal Scrutiny - FCA and CIA
Amelia is a Chartered Internal Auditor and Head of Internal Scrutiny at SBS, combining expertise in accountancy and a passion for education. With a background in external and internal audits at Baker Tilly, she has supported public sector bodies in ensuring financial efficiency and value for money.
Her hands-on experience includes running a successful childcare business and leading a local preschool to an Outstanding Ofsted rating. This blend of financial acumen and leadership in education gives Amelia a unique perspective in helping schools and MATs strengthen their internal controls and governance.
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to Internal Scrutiny.
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Get Started with SBS Internal Scrutiny Today
Let us help you protect your trust and achieve greater operational efficiency.
Contact us today to find out how SBS’s Internal Scrutiny service can safeguard your operations and guide your trust towards a secure future.
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