Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors appoints Liz Sandwith as Chief Professional Practice Advisor

5 May 2016

The Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (the Institute) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Professional Practice Advisor, Liz Sandwith, who brings over 28 years’ experience in internal audit and risk management.

Liz joins us from Bupa where she held a number of roles in her 5 years with them from Head of Assurance, Risk and Compliance to Head of Internal Audit - Operations. Liz will be responsible for advising and representing the Institute on all matters relating to the professional practice of internal audit; on ensuring quality standards; and on technical issues. She will also be technical advisor to the Institute’s External Quality Assessment (EQA) service.

Liz’s background is firmly embedded in internal audit and risk management. She has worked for a number of private and public sector organisations, helping to develop risk management and control awareness; and has delivered training to internal auditors in the UK and internationally.  Liz has recently been appointed as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee to a Leeds based Housing Association.  She will also be an independent board member and a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Liz first qualified as an internal auditor in 1991. Prior to joining Bupa, she spent thirteen years as Head of Internal Audit at Channel 5. She has also worked with the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Electoral Commission, as well as advising a number of local authorities on internal audit and risk management issues. Liz served as President of the Institute of Internal Auditors between 2000 and 2001.

Liz Sandwith commented: “I have always and continue to be a keen supporter of the Institute and am thrilled to be joining them. I am looking forward to helping support and develop the internal audit profession, and to promoting its role and value to organisations.”

“I have a particular interest in issues surrounding organisational culture and will be seeking to take views from members and other stakeholders on the role that internal audit can and should play in providing assurance to boards and audit committees on that front. Management must ensure that culture is appropriate to deliver an organisation’s objectives and mitigate its risks.”

Alisdair McIntosh, Policy and External Relations Director at the Institute, said: “I am delighted that Liz is joining the team. Liz brings both a wealth of experience and a passion for improving practice.  Her advice and support will be invaluable to our work to support and develop the profession and raise its profile and standing.”

Coverage

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