The Global Internal Audit Standards, 2024 (GIAS) states:

‘While conformance with the requirements is expected, internal auditors occasionally may be unable to conform with a requirement yet still achieve the intent of the standard. Circumstances that may necessitate adjustments are often related to resource limitations or specific aspects of a sector, industry, and/or jurisdiction. In these exceptional circumstances, alternative actions should be implemented to meet the intent of the related standard.’

The GIAS refers to small internal audit functions throughout. It recognises that there are challenges for smaller functions when applying the requirements within the GIAS and it states:

‘The internal audit function’s ability to fully conform with the Standards may be affected by its size or the size of the organization. With limited resources, completing certain tasks may be challenging.’

While GIAS specifically mentions teams of 3 or less, this guidance for small internal audit functions may well be useful to internal audit functions with up to 10 team members, particularly if some have part time or amended working patterns, such as term-time only.