# Internal Scrutiny

## Strengthen governance, reduce risk, and add value beyond compliance

![Image](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-teal.svg)

###### Internal scrutiny programmes aligned to DfE expectations and your risk register.

[BOOK A CONSULTATION](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/contact-us)

![Three piles of increasing amounts of coins with a small plant on top of each at different growth stages](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/internal-scrutiny/internal-scrutiny-aligned-to-dfe-expectations.webp)

### Get a clear plan for

**improvement**

###### Does this sound familiar?

![Exclamation mark in teal](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/svgs/exclamation5.svg)### You need more than a tick-box audit; you want actionable insight that trustees can use.

![Exclamation mark in pink](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/svgs/exclamation3.svg)### Your board needs confidence that reviews match risk register and committee cycle.

![Exclamation mark in yellow](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/svgs/exclamation4.svg)### Previous reports arrived late, or light on “what to do next”.

### What **you get**

### Annual plan aligned to your risks

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We scope reviews with trustees/SLT against your risk register and calendar.

### On-site fieldwork as standard

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See systems in action for richer evidence.

### Risk-rated, board-ready reports

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Concise findings with practical, prioritised actions and accountable owners.

### Annual Internal Scrutiny Report

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Consolidated, DfE-ready submission included.

### Committee attendance

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We can present findings at up to two board/audit meetings per year if required.

### Year-round advisory and added value

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Benchmarking, deep-dive clinics, and a controls health check toolkit between reviews.

![Teal speech marks](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/svgs/quote-marks.svg)

### “Keystone’s extensive knowledge of the education sector, combined with their practical, real-world understanding, is truly invaluable. They approach their work with professionalism and approachability. ”

**DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS, ROBERT CARRE TRUST**

![Young female teacher sits reading an exercise book in a classroom](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/internal-scrutiny/education-sector-experts.webp)

### Programme **options**

###### Built around your governance year

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### Full

Programme

![Image](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-pink.svg)

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### Three modules per year (recommended)

Broader coverage across the year (e.g., Finance, Governance, HR, Estates, IT, and Cyber Security) for a fuller view of risk and better long-term planning.

### Single

Module

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### One module per year

Focused assurance on a priority area when you need it.

Contract length: all packages are delivered over a three-year contract with an annual plan. Optional add-ons: bespoke dashboards/report formats; follow-up implementation support; training/CPD based on findings.

### Annual

Module Menu

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### Pick what matters most this year

Select modules that map to your live risks and priorities; we’ll agree on the sequence with you.

- Governance, structures and oversight
- Financial systems and operations
- Budgeting and payroll
- HR and safer recruitment
- Operational health and safety
- Estates management
- Induction and training
- Safeguarding
- Whistleblowing
- Fraud and theft
- IT systems, cyber security, and data management
- Business continuity and disaster recovery
- Risk protection arrangement and insurance
- ESG / sustainability

![Young male teacher holding a lesson for secondary pupils](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/internal-scrutiny/internal-scrutiny-support-for-schools.webp)

![Female teacher in front of a whiteboard during a primary school lesson](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/internal-scrutiny/mat-internal-scrutiny-experts.webp)

### Why trusts choose Keystone

 for **internal scrutiny**

- We're specialists who understand how governance and operations work in academies.
- We provide independent assurance and a professional service.
- All work is aligned to DFE expectations, not just a generic audit checklist.
- We provide board-ready outputs that trustees can act on, with optional committee attendance.

### Get **internal scrutiny**

for your school or trust

### 1

### Planning and scope

Agree priorities, scope, and timing with trustees/SLT; align to risk register and committees.

### 2

### Review, fieldwork, and recommendations

Conducting on-site visits, reviewing documents, conducting interviews, and making observations to gather robust evidence. Plus concise reports with risk ratings and practical actions.

### 3

### Follow-up and advisory

Support implementation; year-round access to the senior team; consolidated Annual IS Report.

## FAQ’s

Yes. Modules can include governance, HR/safer recruitment, estates, H&S, IT/cyber, continuity, and more.

Programmes are scoped and quoted up front. All packages run on a three-year contract with either one or three modules per year. Optional add-ons are quoted separately.

Internal scrutiny reporting is typically delivered within 10 working days of completing the fieldwork portion. We work to a fast, board-ready turnaround agreed at scoping.

![Dark blue Q&A speech bubbles](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/svgs/qanda.svg)

![Female teacher with a group of students showing them something on a table during a lesson](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/images/v3/internal-scrutiny/internal-scrutiny-faqs.webp)

## Ready to turn assurance into action?

###### Let’s scope the right programme for your trust and align it to your risk register.

[BOOK A CONSULTATION](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/contact-us)

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### **Related services**

For finance capacity and returns, see our school finance support and academy finance support offers.

[Find out more](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/products/finance-interim-support)