We’re pleased to bring you the latest edition of the Internal Audit Network Newsletter — your go-to source for insights, updates, and best practices in the world of internal audit. In this issue, we spotlight key developments, share thought leadership from across the network, and highlight tools and techniques that are shaping the future of audit.

Whether you're navigating regulatory changes, enhancing risk management, or driving audit innovation, we’re here to keep you informed and connected.

Louise Cobain, Executive Director of Assurance, MIAA

Headlines 

AI and Internal Audit: Innovation with Integrity
The digital revolution is accelerating transformation across all industries, and internal audit is no exception. Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to significantly reshape the way audits are conducted over the next few years.

Lessons from Year One: CAF-Aligned Data Security and Protection Toolkit
Change always gives rise to some level of uncertainty at the outset and equally the opportunity for reflection at the close. Those of us working in the health system will know this is very true for the move to the Cyber Assessment Framework-aligned Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) audit.

HFMA Governance Award winners
360 Assurance were very proud to receive the HFMA Governance Award back in December 2024 on the back of a piece of work validating GP practice lists. They worked with one ICB and Health Informatics Service to undertake the validation exercise across 127 practices, using data analytics. 

Ethical Standards for Internal Auditors
Audit One recently held an in-person staff training day and one of the sessions was structured around ethical standards for auditors. The session was facilitated externally by Frank Blades (Control Assurance and Training Solutions).

Board Assurance Frameworks “What keeps you awake at night?”
Review of Board Assurance Frameworks across MIAA’s NHS client base for 2023/24 and 2024/25 identified a number of risk themes. 

CAF-Aligned Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) MIAA Briefing
The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) has undergone a significant change for 2024-25 to align with the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC’s) Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF). 

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