NMH

NMH | 2024 26 Governance The Audit Committee's roles and responsibilities include: Oversight of the audit of The National Maternity Hospital (NMH) annual financial statements including the terms of engagement of the external auditor, the nature and scope of the annual audit programme and to assess on an annual basis, the independence, objectivity and effectiveness of the external auditor. Review of the NMH Annual Report and Financial Statements and to consider whether they are fair, balanced and understandable, and provide the information necessary for an understanding of the NMH framework. Specific responsibilities in this regard include recommending to the Board approval of the annual financial statements. Oversight of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements including Charities Act 2015, Charities Governance Code and HSE Service Level Agreement. Audit Committee Provide assurance to the Board as to the effectiveness of the Hospital's systems of internal control, including financial, operational and compliance controls and non-clinical risk management. The Audit Committee convened six times during the year which included meeting with the Hospital's external auditors, PWC, to agree their terms of engagement for the audit of the Hospital's annual financial statements and, following completion of the audit, to receive and consider PWC's post audit report and recommendations. The Audit Committee also had ongoing interactions throughout the year with the Hospital's internal auditors, Crowe, to agree their work plan for the year and review reports issued. Internal Audit reports received from Crowe and considered by the Audit Committee during 2024 covered Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets, HR, Procurement and Contract Management. The Audit Committee also tracks and monitors the implementation of Dr David Rooney, Specialist Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Dr Emma Shanley, Senior House Officer in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in the Holles Outpatient Clinic. recommendations of earlier internal audit reports. Furthermore, the Audit Committee oversaw the reappointment of Crowe as the Hospital's internal auditors for a further 3 years for 2025 to 2027 following a tender process conducted under the public procurement framework. The Audit Committee, in conjunction with Finance Committee, continues to oversee preparations for the adoption of the Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) for the Hospital's accounts, which will become mandatory following approval of the Charities Amendments Bill which is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Ms Michele Connolly who stepped down from her role as Honorary Treasurer at the AGM on 29th May 2024 also stepped down from the Audit Committee and was replaced by Mr Tom Murphy who succeeded Ms Connolly as Honorary Treasurer. Ms Mairéad Butler, who served on The Audit Committee since 2019 stepped down from the Audit Committee in April 2024. I would like to thank both Michele and Mairéad for their invaluable contributions and support to the work of the Audit Committee. Aidan Devlin, Chair.

• Cover