Agreeing findings and actions collaboratively

Upon completion you will be able to:

• identify the key aspects of a finding
• interpret the results of your work and develop findings that are supported by appropriate evidence
• link findings to business risks
• develop recommendations that will add value to the organisation
• anticipate and deal with challenge-related to findings and recommendations
• agree actions with management that are achievable and valuable.

Developing findings – a key stage

• the role of this stage in the assurance processes
• forming the link between testing and reporting
• identifying the key elements of findings.

Establishing criteria

• the range of criteria that can be used in the assurance process
• agreeing criteria with management.

Interpreting results

• evaluating the design, operation, and effectiveness of controls
• making sense of the results of your work – bringing it together.

Establishing the cause

• root cause analysis
• addressing a range of causes.

Analysing impact

• actual and potential impacts
• linking back to the risk.

Writing findings

• elements to include
• deciding order of elements
• achieving balance.

Developing recommendations

• identifying options and choosing focus
• involvement of management.

Dealing with challenges

• anticipating and preparing for challenges
• how to achieve win-win.

Agreeing management actions

• working with management
• SMART actions.

Assurance ratings

• developing ratings frameworks
• applying ratings.

There is pre-course preparation for this module. It is a combination of reading and watching short video clips. These will help you understand the areas we will cover and provide ideas for developing your pre-course objectives. You will be sent the material upon confirmation of your booking.