Financial audits

Appoint an external auditor for the annual accounts, and put the external audit contract in writing as a letter of engagement Put any additionally purchased financial services from the external auditor in a separate letter of engagement Retender your external audit contract at least every 5 years Provide in the audit contract for the removal of external auditors before the expiry of the term as set out in the Academies Financial Handbook Notify the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) immediately of the removal or resignation of external auditors, and the reasons Ensure the auditor's conclusions on regularity are addressed jointly to the trust and the ESFA Provide the ESFA with access to all books, records, information, explanations, assets, premises and staff to assist with its audits Ensure an appropriate, reasonable and timely response to findings by auditors, taking opportunities to strengthen financial management and control Make findings from the trust's internal audit programme