Forestry Commission Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (The ARAC)
The ARAC is a non-executive committee of the Forestry Commission, which it supports in issues relating to risk, control, governance and assurance.
The ARAC will advise the Board of Commissioners, the Forestry England, Forest Services and Forest Research Boards, and Accounting Officers for the Forestry Commission, Forestry England and Forest Research on:
- the strategic processes for risk management, control and governance in Forestry England, Forest Services, Forest Research, and the Forestry Commission Commissioners’ Office
- the accounting policies, the accounts and the annual reports of Forestry Commission (consolidated), Forestry England, and Forest Research, including the process for review of the accounts prior to submission for audit, levels of error identified, and management’s letter(s) of representation to the external auditors
- the planned activity and results of both internal and external audit
- timeliness and adequacy of management response to issues identified by audit activity, including external audit’s management letters
- assurance relating to the management of risk and corporate governance requirements for Forestry England, Forest Services and Forest Research
- (where appropriate) proposals for tendering for either internal or external audit services or for purchase of non-audit services from contractors who provide audit services
- anti-fraud policies, whistle-blowing processes, and arrangements for special investigations
The ARAC holds 4 meetings each year, which are timed to support the financial reporting timetable. There may be additional meetings where necessary.
Membership
The number and composition of membership is approved by the Forestry Commission sub-boards. All members are non-executive. The Chair is a Forestry Commissioner and National Committee member. Other members may be drawn from the National Committee for England or elsewhere, and are appointed to achieve an appropriate balance of skills and experience.
Members
The current members of the ARAC are:
- Sandy Storrie, Non-Executive Commissioner (Chair)
- Hilary Allison, Non-Executive Commissioner
- Julian Evans, Non-Executive
- Chris Simpson, Non-Executive
The following Forestry Commission executive staff usually attend:
- Chief Executive Officer Forestry Commission
- Chief Executive Forestry England
- Chief Executive Forest Research
- Director Forest Services
- Finance Director Forestry Commission
- Finance Director Forestry England
- Finance Director Forest Research
Representatives from the National Audit Office, Government Internal Audit Agency, and Defra (the sponsor department) also normally attend meetings, along with other Forestry Commission staff as appropriate.
Reporting
The ARAC formally reports back in writing to the Forestry England, Forest Services and Forest Research Boards after each meeting. The ARAC Chair also provides minutes of the meeting together with a short report.
The ARAC will also provide the boards with an annual report timed to support finalisation of the accounts and the governance statements, summarising its conclusions from the work it has done during the year; and how it has discharged its responsibilities in accordance with the HMT ARAC handbook.
Register of interests
You can view the for the group.
Contact
For further information on the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, email commissioners@forestrycommission.gov.uk or call 0300 067 4000.