Course Outline
Program Lead / Subject Matter Expert: Mrs. Jenitha John CA(SA), CD(SA), CIA, QIAL, SEP (Harvard) - Independent Global GRC Consultant | Former Chairman – IIA Global Board
Executive Summary
In an environment marked by heightened regulatory scrutiny, rapid technological disruption, increased stakeholder expectations, and recurring corporate governance failures, Audit Committees are under unprecedented pressure to deliver effective, independent, and value-adding oversight.
This 1-day Governance Development Program has been designed by UAE IAA to strengthen the effectiveness, confidence, and impact of Audit Committees. Drawing on global best practices, lessons from major corporate scandals, and evolving standards such as the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), the program equips participants with practical tools, insights, and frameworks to meet today’s complex governance demands.
Course Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
• Understand emerging governance realities impacting Audit Committees
• Strengthen Audit Committee dynamics, independence, and leadership effectiveness
• Enhance oversight across financial reporting, risk management, compliance, ethics, and fraud
• Leverage Internal Audit and the Three Lines Model for improved assurance
• Effectively oversee ESG, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence risks
• Measure and continuously improve Audit Committee and Internal Audit effectiveness
• Respond confidently to the new Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS)
Course Topics
DAY 1 – Foundations, Dynamics & Core Oversight
Session 1: Governance Context & New Realities
Setting the Scene for Audit Committee Effectiveness
• Blended value proposition and rising stakeholder expectations
• Corporate scandals: global lessons for Audit Committees
• Regulatory burden and intensified scrutiny
• Technology disruption, cyber threats, and workforce changes
Outcome: Shared understanding of the evolving governance landscape
Session 2: The Role of the Audit Committee in Effective Governance
• Audit Committee as a cornerstone of governance
• Fiduciary responsibilities and accountability
• Independence, courage, integrity, and ethical leadership
• Oversight versus management boundaries
Interactive Discussion: Defining effective oversight in practice
Session 3: Audit Committee Composition, Dynamics & Leadership
• Characteristics of high-performing Audit Committees
• Audit Committee Chair competencies
• Core member skills: finance, risk, technology, ESG
• Deconstructing and enhancing committee dynamics
• Managing challenge, scepticism, and information asymmetry
Session 4: Audit Committee Responsibilities – Core Areas
• Financial reporting and annual report integrity
• Internal controls and control effectiveness
• Fraud risk oversight
• Ethics and compliance governance
Focus: Key questions Audit Committees should be asking
Session 5: Strengthening Audit Committee Practices
• Effective meeting structures and agendas
• Private and executive sessions
• Engagement with management
• Relationship with Internal and External Audit
• Reporting to the Board and stakeholders
• Continuing education and capability development
DAY 2 – Assurance, Emerging Risks & Measuring Effectiveness
Session 6: Maximising the Value of Internal Audit
• Audit Committee authority over Internal Audit
• Common Audit Committee concerns about Internal Audit
• Role and independence of the CAE
• Assurance versus advisory balance
• Measuring Internal Audit effectiveness
Session 7: The Three Lines Model & Combined Assurance
• Three Lines Model
• Foundational elements for effective implementation
• Common pitfalls and demerits
• Benefits of Combined Assurance
• Practical steps to implement Combined Assurance
Session 8: Emerging Oversight Areas – ESG, Cyber & AI
• ESG governance and assurance responsibilities
• ESG risk assessment, controls, metrics, and reporting standards
• Cybersecurity oversight and Internal Audit’s role
• AI governance, ethics, and Audit Committee accountability
Session 9: Measuring Audit Committee Effectiveness
• Audit Committee self-evaluations
• Performance metrics and effectiveness indicators
• Continuous improvement and maturity models
Session 10: Audit Committees and the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS)
• Governance implications of the new GIAS
• Audit Committee responsibilities under the Standards
• Internal Audit purpose, strategy, and performance
• Quality assurance and external quality assessments
• Oversight of co-sourced and outsourced Internal Audit models
6. Key Program Deliverables
Participants will receive:
• UAE IAA certificate of completion
• Governance tools and practical checklists
• Audit Committee effectiveness diagnostics
• Reference material aligned to global best practices
7. Value Proposition for Participants & Organisations
• Stronger Audit Committee confidence and impact
• Improved governance, transparency, and accountability
• Better alignment between Boards, Audit Committees, and Internal Audit
• Enhanced oversight of emerging and non-financial risks
• Practical readiness for regulatory and stakeholder scrutiny
8. Conclusion
This UAE IAA 1-Day Governance Program provides a comprehensive, practical, and future-focused approach to enhancing Audit Committee effectiveness. It is designed to support Boards and Audit Committees in fulfilling their critical governance responsibilities with confidence, integrity, and foresight.
Who Should Attend:
• Audit Committee Members and Chairs
• Board Members and Board Committee Members
• Senior Executives and C-suite Leaders
• Chief Audit Executives (CAEs)
• Senior Risk, Compliance, Finance, and Governance Professionals
Summary Info
• Duration: 1 Full Day (Executive-Level Program)
• Format: In-person / Hybrid / Virtual
• Methodology:
o Expert-led presentations
o Board-level discussions
o Case studies and global governance lessons
o Practical tools, diagnostics, and checklists
o Interactive Q&A and reflection sessions
