Introducing Internal Scrutiny

A brand-new service from Strictly Education designed for Academy Trusts to meet their statutory obligations.

The latest Academies Financial Handbook (AFH) introduced a new statutory requirement for both Single and Multi-Academy Trusts to engage in a new process called Internal Scrutiny. Internal Scrutiny will provide assurance to Trust boards that policies and procedures put in place are both robust and applied correctly.

Going beyond financial checks, Internal Scrutiny could include an audit of HR policies and processes, property, health and safety, procurement and much more. Working with the Academy Trust’s audit committee, there is a requirement to report findings to the ESFA annually.

Strictly Education has a team of scrutineers with extensive experience in the education sector, meeting the criteria set out by the ESFA. With the backing of our dedicated service teams in Finance, Payroll, Technology, Premises, HR, Facilities and School Effectiveness, Strictly Education is well-placed to provide independent, objective advice to Academy Trusts to ensure they meet the new requirement to report to the ESFA by 31 August. Strictly Education’s Internal Scrutiny service is flexible and considers the size and needs of each trust. Importantly, the Internal Scrutiny service provided by Strictly Education will not conflict with the Trust’s external auditing processes.

To find out more about how we can support your Academy Trust’s Internal Scrutiny requirements, you can request a quote or call 0330 123 2549.