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Our 9-Step Internal Scrutiny Process

Date published: Date modified: 2025-01-28

Internal Scrutiny: How Does It Work?

Whether it's a deep dive into HR, Health and Safety, Cybersecurity, or your overall accounts, internal scrutiny can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted territory to gather everything your supplier needs. At SAAF Education, we streamline the process through consistent onsite and remote audits. Here's how our step-by-step process works:

  1. Set a Date

We’ll agree on a date for the audit and confirm key contacts for evidence and policies. If needed, we can arrange a preliminary call to answer your questions, though this isn’t a requirement.

  1. Complete Our Questionnaire

Around 3–4 weeks before your audit, we’ll send a questionnaire to collect relevant data. To keep things on track, we’ll need it back at least two weeks before the audit.

  1. Select and Share Samples List via Sharepoint

Once we receive your data, we’ll carefully select the samples that need evidencing. The sample list will be securely shared via SharePoint, with access limited to authorised individuals. If someone needs to be added, just let us know – we can update permissions at any time. This step is always completed two weeks before your scheduled audit, whether it’s conducted remotely or onsite.

  1. Provide Evidence

Upload the required documentation – like invoices, receipts or timesheets – to Sharepoint to evidence the selected samples. For onsite audits, you can provide evidence upon our arrival.

  1. Begin Testing

We’ll compare your evidence against the samples. If something is missing, we’ll collaborate with you dynamically to address gaps. Please make sure you can be available throughout the day so we can be as efficient as possible.

  1. Respond to Follow-Up Questions

After testing, we may have questions based on our findings. We’ll set a timeline for responses, typically within a week, depending on complexity. Unanswered queries will be noted in the report.

  1. Optional Follow-Up Meeting

We recommend scheduling a follow-up meeting – ideally within a week of the audit – to discuss findings, obtain any further information, and ensure clarity before the report is finalised.

  1. Report Creation

Now we’ve got all the information, we’ll compile a comprehensive report, complete with actionable recommendations for improvement.

  1. Final Follow-Up

Once the report is shared, we’ll agree on a timeframe for follow-up. This ensures recommendations are addressed and provides an opportunity for further guidance if needed. If you get stuck on any recommendations, we can either guide you through the solutions or handle them for you.

If you return for your next audit, we'll begin by addressing our previous recommendations to ensure a smoother, more efficient experience.

 

By sticking to this process, we aim to make every audit straightforward and stress-free. Ready to start your internal audit? We're here to help, every step of the way. 

By SAAF Education
SAAF Education 340 110

28 January 2025

Categories

Finance

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