UK Corporate Governance Reform Preparing for the Recent Changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued the final updates to the 2024 UK Corporate Governance Code following a 12-week consultation period. The initiative is part of the 'Restoring Trust in Audit and Corporate Governance' reform package and is the first major update to the Code since 2018. As reported in November 2023’s FRC Policy Update, after receiving feedback, much of the existing Code remains the same.This includes the principle of the Board’s ability to “comply or explain” and applies to premium listed companies (PLCs) listed within the commercial companies category or the closed-ended investment funds category, whether incorporated in the UK or elsewhere. Most of the updates will take effect from 1 January 2025. Only Provision 29 of Section 4, which pertains to the enhanced responsibility of boards in overseeing risk management and internal controls, will become applicable from 1 January 2026. Helping you plan, prepare for, and deliver efficient, effective and sustainable compliance We can help you with: Expert Guidance on Audit and Risk Management on developing and implementing effective risk management programmes, as well as establishing internal control frameworks with defined accountability across the three lines of defence. We can help you identify, manage, and mitigate material financial, operational, reporting and compliance risks, ensuring your organisation is well-prepared to meet the new disclosure requirements for Director’s Annual Internal Control Declaration. Streamlining Processes and Controls with AI, automation & Analytics to enhance risk assessment and automate control operation. Our innovative solutions can help you gain real-time insights, improve efficiency, and reduce errors in your internal control and risk management processes. This can not only help you comply with the new proposed Code requirements but also drive operational excellence. Tailored Controls and Programme Strategies - We understand that every organisation is unique. That's why we offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. We can use our suite of tailored risks, controls, and technology accelerators to fit your organisation to then help you design optimised controls and develop a comprehensive programme strategy that aligns with your objectives. UK Internal Controls Reform Key Questions to Consider Now: Pro Document Consent Are You Listed or Plan to Be? Is your company currently listed or plan to do so? Pro Briefcase Are Your Prepared? Are you prepared for the potential requirements of the upcoming UK Corporate Reform (e.g., Do you have an internal controls framework in place)? If yes, does it cover key business, technology, compliance, and financial reporting risks? Pro Building office Any Past Issues Identified? Were there any past instances of fraud, financial statement errors or restatements or other significant audit issues identified? Pro Rightmark Square Are You Automated? Are your internal controls automated to the right level to provide a platform for efficient assurance? Pro Document Files Are You Utilising Technology? Are you leveraging data, technology, and automation to manage your internal controls programme? Pro Document Stack Are There Any Major Change Programmes? Are there any planned or ongoing changes that have a long-term impact on the business? Do these programmes consider internal controls in the target future state? Pro Screen System Integration Do You Have an Evaluation Process? Do you have a process in place to routinely evaluate operational effectiveness of your internal controls? Pro Workflow Flowchart Can You Meet the Demands? Do you have the skills and resources to address the requirements of the upcoming internal control reforms? We are global leaders in internal controls and financial reporting compliance Our approach Our global network of SOX specialists continually monitors developments and changes within the regulatory landscape. While UK corporate reform improves corporate governance and increases investor and public confidence, the advantages of establishing internal controls range far beyond credible financial reporting and compliance.Internal controls improve process performance and steer businesses successfully in times of change and disruption. If companies view this as an opportunity to drive process improvements and gain efficiencies this will help them in realising value from their investments.Protiviti has assisted thousands of global clients to establish and/or enhance their Internal Control programme and our approach to Internal controls is underpinned by our next-gen internal audit methodology which allows us to leverage a host of technology options to digitilise and automate internal control programme activities. We are global leaders in internal controls and financial reporting compliance Key partners Our technology partnerships play a vital role in helping organisations respond to regulatory change with agility and confidence. By combining Protiviti’s deep consulting expertise with the specialised capabilities of our alliance partners, we deliver integrated solutions that support compliance, strengthen controls and unlock long-term value.These partnerships enhance our ability to help clients prepare for UK corporate reform and navigate today’s complex governance landscape with greater efficiency and precision. Our key partners include: Leadership Adam Christou Adam is a managing director and Protiviti’s Australian energy, utilities, and mining lead as well as a member of the organisation’s global internal audit leadership. He is also a key member of the global energy and resources leadership team.He currently serves as ... Learn More