Audit & Risk Assurance Committee Member / Advisory Panel Independent Members Independent Members of the Advisory Panel To assist the Ombudsman in establishing: the PSOW s strategic direction, aims and objectives and targets; key business policies; key employment strategies and policies. To scrutinise and assure: the Three-Year Strategic Plan and the Annual Business Plan; the budget estimates submission to the Finance Committee of the Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament; high level budget allocation. To monitor and review: operational performance and delivery; effectiveness of employment strategies and policies; diversity and equal opportunities, particularly in relation to the Equality Act 2010 external communications strategies and stakeholder relations. Independent Members of Audit & Risk Assurance Committee To scrutinise and advise the Ombudsman, as Accounting Officer, on: the strategic processes for risk, control and governance and the assurances that underpin the Annual Governance Statement; the draft Strategic and Business plans, to ensure the economic, efficient and effective use of resources; the financial health of the organization, including the quarterly management accounts; the accounting policies, the annual accounts, including the process for preparation and management review of the accounts prior to submission for audit, and management s letter of representation to the external auditors; the planned activity and results of both internal and external audit; the adequacy of management responses to issues identified by audit activity, and the timely implementation of internal and external audit recommendations; assurances relating to the corporate governance requirements for the organisation, including deep dive scrutiny of key risks; proposals for tendering for Internal Audit services or for purchase of non-audit services from contractors who provide audit services; anti-fraud policies, whistle-blowing processes, and arrangements for special investigations; business continuity arrangements; Health & Safety arrangements.
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