Quality Assessments: Self-assessment with Independent Validation
The Self-assessment with Independent Validation (SAIV) approach is a more cost-effective Quality Assessment solution.
The organization’s internal audit function completes its self-assessment per the Quality Assessment (2024 Edition).
IIA Quality Services provides a competent, independent validator who is well-versed in the quality assessment methodology to provide an independent validation of the internal audit function’s self-assessment. In addition to reviewing the self-assessment, the validator also substantiates work completed by the self-assessment team and interviews selected senior management.
Upon conclusion of the SAIV, the Quality Services validator will provide a validation report of the internal audit function's SAIV report as well as any additional successful practices, conformance gaps, and enhancement opportunities.
Self-assessment with Independent Validation FAQs
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A Self-assessment with Independent Validation (SAIV) involves the completion of a rigorous self-assessment by an internal audit activity, followed by an assessment conducted by an external, qualified, and independent validator. In addition to reviewing the self-assessment, the independent validator substantiates some of the work completed by the self-assessment team and interviews senior management. The independent validator either co-signs the self-assessment report or issues a separate report on any disparities.
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Yes, as stated in Standard 1320, the results of any Quality Assessment will be presented to and discussed with the board and/or audit committee.
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An example of an SAIV report is included in The IIA’s Quality Assessment Manual. In general, the independent assessor must review the scope, approach, and various opinions that could be given, and the overall opinion arrived at with any qualifying issues needing attention.
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Project duration is dependent on several factors, such as the size of the internal audit activity, the number locations throughout the world, and the volume of audit reports produced each year. Complete our Proposal Request Form to receive a curated proposal that includes a project duration estimate based on your internal audit function.
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We recommend internal audit activities utilize The IIA’s Quality Assessment Manual, which can be used to conduct periodic internal assessments or self-assessments in preparation for an external validation or as part of the internal assessment requirement under Standard 1311.
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Yes. The “Performing an Effective Quality Assessment” course will provide attendees with the appropriate knowledge and skills to plan, perform, and evaluate the results of an external quality assessment case study. You will also learn about processes and tools in The IIA’s Quality Assessment Manual (QA Manual) that can help you identify opportunities to improve your internal audit quality activities. The “Building a Sustainable Quality Program” course is designed to help attendees understand how to build and maintain an effective Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), leading to a successful External Quality Assessment.