Internal Audit Services Appointment

First Garden Cities Homes (FGCH), a Registered Provider of Social Housing in Hertfordshire, is seeking to appoint an outsourced internal audit firm from 1 April 2027. The current contract ends on 31 March 2027. Scope of Services: The successful firm will provide independent assurance over governance, risk management and internal control, reporting to FGCH's Audit & Risk Committee. Services include developing a risk-based strategic and annual audit plan, delivering agreed reviews, tracking and following up recommendations, attending Audit & Risk Committee meetings, supporting counter-fraud arrangements, and providing an annual internal audit opinion to inform the Board's regulatory assurance. Contract Terms: Three-year contract with an option to extend for a further two years. This is a rate-based engagement where FGCH will appoint a team at a single composite day rate, with annual work volume determined by the Audit & Risk Committee. Due to elevated assurance requirements following a 2025 regulatory judgement, the audit programme will be broader than typical for a provider of FGCH's size in years 1-3, with expected reduction in years 4-5 if extended. Procurement Process: FCGH will use the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. The process comprises a written tender stage open to all suppliers, followed by scored presentations to a panel of Audit & Risk Committee members for the highest-ranked tenderers. No negotiation will take place. The contract will not be divided into lots, as a single integrated audit opinion from one provider is essential.