Sector
Internal audit for housing associations
Internal audit, controls and governance support for social housing providers.
The challenges
What housing associations tell us
Housing regulators across the UK expect registered providers to have strong governance, effective risk management and robust internal controls. Large repairs, maintenance and development programmes concentrate financial and operational risk.
Boards of housing associations need assurance over governance, financial viability, contract management and compliance. A risk-based internal audit plan, focused reviews of major repairs and development spend, and an effective audit and risk committee together give the board the evidence it needs.
- Regulatory expectationsEvidencing governance, risk management and internal control to the regulator.
- Repairs and maintenance contractsLarge contracts where overpayment and weak oversight are common.
- Development programmesCost control and governance on new-build and regeneration projects.
- Committee capacityFinding independent members with audit and risk expertise.
How we help
Services for housing associations
Outsourced, Co-Sourced & Interim Internal Audit
A risk-based internal audit plan delivered for your board.
View service →Procurement & Contract Audits
Contract compliance and project cost reviews on major spend.
View service →Governance & Risk Management
Governance and risk frameworks that support regulatory compliance.
View service →Independent Audit Committee Members & Non-Executives
Independent audit and risk committee members.
View service →Where internal audit focuses
Typical audit plan areas
Every plan is built from your own risk register, but these areas come up most often in this sector.
- Governance
- Financial controls
- Procurement
- Repairs and maintenance contracts
- Development
- Rent and service charges
- Fraud risk
What does an independent audit committee member do?
The role of an independent audit committee member explained: independence, responsibilities through the year, skills, terms of appointment, and how to recruit the right person.
Outsourced vs in-house internal audit: which model is right?
A balanced comparison of in-house, co-sourced and outsourced internal audit: cost drivers, specialist skills, continuity, independence and what the board stays responsible for, with a decision table.
Frequently asked questions
What should a housing association internal audit plan cover?
Typical areas include governance, financial controls, procurement, repairs and maintenance contracts, development, rent and service charges, and fraud risk, prioritised by your risk register.
Can you audit our repairs and maintenance contracts?
Yes. Contract compliance and cost reviews check that contractors bill in line with agreed terms and that oversight controls work.
Do you provide co-opted audit and risk committee members?
Yes, subject to independence checks.
Talk to us about your organisation
Book a free 20-minute call to discuss your priorities.