Head of Internal Audit

Role Summary

The Head of Internal Audit is responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously enhancing the Aventum Group's Internal Audit function, providing independent and objective assurance to the Board and Audit Committee on the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal controls. The role will embed a risk-based, management-led Internal Audit framework that supports the Group's strategic objectives, regulatory obligations, and evolving risk profile. Working within a co-sourced operating model, the Head of Internal Audit will oversee and direct the delivery of audit activities through the group's external Internal Audit partner, ensuring audit coverage remains aligned with key business, regulatory, and operational risks. The role will ensure Internal Audit provides effective assurance across the Group's specialist insurance operations, including broking, delegated authority, underwriting, distribution, and support functions.

Role Accountabilities

Internal Audit Strategy

• Lead the ongoing development of the Group Internal Audit function, ensuring it remains proportionate, effective, and aligned to the Group's risk profile and growth ambitions.
• Develop and maintain the Internal Audit Charter, methodology, audit universe, and assurance framework.
• Establish a risk-based Internal Audit programme that provides meaningful assurance across all business entities and functional areas.
• Act as the primary relationship owner for the Group's co-sourced Internal Audit partner, overseeing performance, audit quality, and delivery against agreed objectives.
• Ensure Internal Audit remains management-led, with clear ownership of planning, scope, reporting, findings, stakeholder engagement, and assurance conclusions.
• Drive continuous improvement in Internal Audit practices, methodology, reporting, and use of data-driven assurance techniques.

Audit Planning & Delivery

• Develop and implement a risk-based annual and three-year audit plan for the Aventum group.
• Ensure comprehensive coverage of underwriting, delegated authority, and insurance distribution activities across the Group.
• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of governance arrangements, risk management processes, and internal controls.
• Assist with the delivery of timely, objective, and high-quality audit reports containing clear findings and practical recommendations.

Co-Sourced Internal Audit Oversight

• Manage the day-to-day relationship with the Group's co-sourced Internal Audit provider.
• Oversee the development and execution of the annual audit plan in collaboration with the Internal Audit provider and key stakeholders.
• Review and challenge audit scopes, testing approaches, findings, and conclusions to ensure consistency with the Group's risk profile and assurance needs.
• Monitor service performance against agreed deliverables, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.
• Coordinate Internal Audit activities with Risk, Compliance, external audit, and other assurance providers to maximise assurance coverage and minimise duplication.

Reporting

• Provide regular reporting to the Audit Committee and Board regarding audit plan progress, significant audit findings, control weaknesses, management actions, and remediation status.
• Attend Board, Audit Committee, Risk Committee, and other governance forums as required.
• Present the proposed annual Internal Audit Plan and Internal Audit Charter to the Audit Committee for approval.
• Support the Board and Audit Committee in understanding emerging risks and assurance priorities.

Governance, Risk and Controls

• Assess the effectiveness of governance arrangements supporting MGA and broking operations.
• Provide independent assurance over the first and second line functions and their frameworks.
• Identify systemic issues, root causes and opportunities for control enhancement.
• Monitor emerging risks and industry developments impacting the organisation.
• Assess compliance with applicable laws, regulations, professional standards, and internal policies.
• Maintain awareness of evolving regulatory expectations affecting the Aventum Group.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships across the business while maintaining independence.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Executive Leadership and Board members.
• Influence management to strengthen governance, risk management, and controls.
• Promote awareness of risk and control responsibilities throughout the organisation.

Quality Assurance

• Maintain Internal Audit methodologies consistent with Internal Audit professional standards.
• Continuously enhance audit methodologies, reporting and use of data analytics.
• Facilitate external quality assessments as required.

Role Requirements

• Significant senior Internal Audit experience within the insurance sector.
• Experience delivering assurance in line with globally recognised internal audit standards and UK regulatory expectations.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks.
• Strong understanding of MGA, wholesale broking and delegated authority business models.
• Familiarity with FCA requirements, Consumer Duty, operational resilience and financial crime frameworks.
• Experience of reporting directly to Boards and Audit Committees.
• Experience of working within a co-sourced audit model.
• Recognised internal audit or accountancy qualification (e.g. CIA, ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Relevant risk, compliance, governance, or audit certifications desirable.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to develop and execute risk-based audit plans aligned to business priorities and regulatory expectations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility and influence executive decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings clearly and confidently.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify root causes and emerging risks.
• Commercially minded with the ability to balance risk, control, and business objectives.
• Highly organised with strong planning, prioritisation, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to challenge constructively and provide independent, objective assurance.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and external partners.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving regulatory environment.
• High levels of professional integrity, sound judgement, and attention to detail.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a continuous improvement mindset and commitment to raising audit standards.

Management Duties

• Not a present but once the department grows

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are proud to share that 93% of our employees say they can be themselves at work. We aim to hire our industry's finest people because the best people drive the best outcomes. And we forever challenge the status quo because we know there are always ways to improve things. Because together, we're limitless.

We value applicants from all backgrounds and foster a culture of inclusivity. We understand the need for flexibility, so we work in a hybrid model. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

FCA Conduct Rules

1. 1. You must act with integrity.
2. 1. You must act with due skill, care and diligence.
3. 1. You must be open and cooperative with theFCA, thePRAand other regulators.
4. 1. You must pay due regard to the interests ofcustomersand treat them fairly.
5. 1. You must observe proper standards of market conduct.
6. 1. You must act to deliver good outcomes for retail customers.