Advisory Service

Internal Audit & Assurance Advisory

Senior advisory to strengthen internal audit and the wider assurance model.

Internal audit is at its most valuable when it is risk-focused, well executed and clearly communicated. DisInnova supports heads of audit, audit committees and executive sponsors with practical advisory designed to lift methodology, planning, quality and reporting.

Engagements are shaped around the maturity of the function and the expectations of stakeholders — from foundational uplift through to preparation for external quality assessment. The emphasis is on insight, judgement and proportionality rather than mechanical compliance.

Internal audit is also considered alongside the wider assurance model, helping leadership teams achieve coherent oversight across the lines of defence.

When this service is relevant

  • Ahead of an external quality assessment or peer review
  • When the audit plan no longer reflects the firm's risk profile
  • When audit reporting is not consistently driving action
  • When assurance overlaps between functions create noise rather than clarity
  • When the audit function is being scaled, restructured or repositioned

Common client challenges

  • Internal audit methodology that no longer reflects business risk profile or scale
  • Audit plans that struggle to balance coverage, depth and emerging risks
  • Reporting that does not consistently land with audit committees and executives
  • Quality assurance and external review preparation needing structured support
  • Lack of clarity between internal audit, risk, compliance and management assurance

Typical advisory questions

Q01

Is our audit universe and plan genuinely risk-based?

Q02

Does our methodology reflect current professional expectations and our business profile?

Q03

Are reports landing with the audit committee in a way that drives action?

Q04

How well coordinated is internal audit with risk, compliance and management assurance?

Q05

Are we ready for an external quality assessment in its current form?

How DisInnova helps

  • Independent review of internal audit methodology, planning and execution
  • Risk-based audit universe and plan design aligned with the business
  • Quality assurance and external review readiness work
  • Reporting uplift focused on clarity, insight and actionability
  • Wider assurance model review across the lines of defence

Typical outputs

  • Internal audit methodology and manual review
  • Risk-based audit universe and annual plan
  • External quality assessment readiness pack
  • Refreshed internal audit reporting templates
  • Combined assurance map across functions

Suitable for

  • Heads of Internal Audit and Chief Audit Executives
  • Audit committees seeking independent perspective on assurance
  • Boards strengthening their overall assurance arrangements
  • Risk and compliance leaders coordinating across lines of defence

Engagement formats

Independent advisory review

A focused, time-boxed review producing an honest read of where the organisation stands and the priorities that matter most.

Targeted diagnostic

A structured assessment of a defined area, with practical recommendations and a sequenced action plan.

Executive workshop

A confidential, facilitated session with the board or leadership team to align on priorities and decisions.

Implementation support

Hands-on advisory through delivery — protecting governance, momentum and accountability as change is executed.

Confidential sounding-board

Ongoing senior advisory access for executives navigating sensitive or complex decisions.

Related insights

Frequently asked questions

Do you co-source or outsource audits?+

DisInnova focuses on advisory uplift to internal audit and the wider assurance model rather than ongoing co-sourcing of audit delivery.

Can you support audit committee effectiveness?+

Yes. We provide independent perspective on assurance reporting and committee inputs, and can facilitate focused sessions for the committee.

Do you support EQA preparation?+

We help heads of audit prepare in a structured way, identifying improvement areas and evidence ahead of the formal external assessment.

Discuss this advisory priority

A confidential conversation is the best way to scope the right level of support.

Request a Consultation