Governance Practices
Kildare and Wicklow ETB operates a robust risk management framework that involves, the identification, assessment, management and monitoring of risk.
While risk management is all employees’ responsibility, the Audit and Risk Committee play a crucial role in supporting the executive in risk management activities. Regularly reporting to this committee and their subsequent reports to the Board support the Board in their oversight of risk activities.
Kildare and Wicklow ETB is subject to both internal and external audits, the internal audit function is carried out by the Internal Audit Unit (IAU-ETBs). Audits of various aspects of ETBs activities are conducted throughout the year, with audit reports provided to both Kildare and Wicklow ETB and our main funders the Department of Education. To manage, track and implement the recommendations of both internal and external audits, and in compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of ETBs, Kildare and Wicklow ETB maintains a comprehensive Audit Register. Formal bi-annual updates on the audit register are provided to the ARC in conjunction with the ARC formally reviewing any audit reports received during the year.
Audits are essential for organisational growth by implementing recommendations received, highlighting areas for stronger oversight and protocols, and for continuous development of the organisation and governance activities.
Kildare and Wicklow ETB are subject to audit by:
- ETBI Internal Audit Unit (IAU-ETBs)
- SOLAS
- QQI
- Comptroller and Audit General
- Data Protection Commissioner
- Oifig an Commissionéir
- European Social Fund (ESF)
- Office of the Information Commissioner (FOI)
Statutory reporting refers to mandatory submission of reporting to a government body. Kildare and Wicklow ETB as a public body is required to provide several reports at quarterly and annual periods as a primary expression of public accountability and are answerable to our main funders, the Department of Education and SOLAS. Kildare and Wicklow ETB maintain statutory reports register to record and demonstrate compliance.
Kildare and Wicklow ETB’s Statutory reports include:
These reports can be found under Publications once they have been approved by the Department of Education.
Internal control comprises not only internal check and internal audit, but the entire system of internal controls, financial and otherwise, including risk management and corporate governance which have been established by management.
KWETB regularly reviews its governance structures and internal control arrangements to ensure that highest standards are maintained, and best practice followed.
There is a structured annual review of the effectiveness of internal control that is overseen by the Audit and Risk Committee who form an opinion to the Board, to reassure and demonstrate that internal control.
The outcome of the review of internal control supports the finalisation of the Annual Financial Statements and is commented upon in the Statement of Internal Control.
