Introduction to the Charities Internal Audit Network (CIAN)

Founded in 1994 CIAN has over 135 members working in a wide range of charities, many of which are household names.

CIAN has the active support of the Charity Commission and the Institute of Internal Auditors UK and Ireland.

The aim of CIAN is to assist its members in the effective discharge of their responsibilities and to promote the profession of internal audit in the voluntary sector, thereby helping charities to achieve their objectives more efficiently. To this end, CIAN provides its members with a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and opportunities for further training.

To achieve this aim CIAN undertakes a range of activities and provides a number of services to its members.

• Quarterly meetings at which expert speakers talk on selected subjects. This is followed by a group discussion and informal networking session.

• Workshops where smaller groups explore topics in greater depth; for example, risk management, audit of charity shops, the application of the Turnbull report.

• The provision of training by and for its members.

• A library of relevant papers and publications, copies of which are available to members.

• A network directory, listing all members and the key details of the charities they work in. This enables members to contact one another and share experience and expertise on matters of mutual interest.

• Passing on examples of fraud and current scams to create awareness of these dangers.