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Murdoch University Senate

Senate Committees & Working Parties

Audit & Risk Management Committee

Members Appointed
Ms Eva Skira 27/02/2008
Mr Brian Aitken 27/02/2008
Ms Janice Bowra 27/02/2008
Mr Jamie Ogilvie* 27/02/2008
Ms Beverley Schubert* 27/02/2008
Dr Lyndy Scott 27/02/2008
Ms Claire Middlemas observer status only
* Denotes a person who is not a current member of Senate

Terms of reference

1.

To ensure on behalf of the Senate that:

 

1.1.

the internal audit function is operating effectively, independently and in accordance with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing;

 

1.2.

adequate attention is paid to the effectiveness, efficiency and economy of the University’s operations;

 

1.3.

adequate systems of internal control are in operation so as to produce accurate and meaningful management information;

 

1.4.

appropriate and timely action is taken by the relevant managers to rectify major areas of concern identified by internal and/or external audit;

 

1.5.

risk management issues (financial, legal, ethical, reputational or other risks for the University) are being adequately addressed within the University, including monitoring risks associated with legal action taken against the University and complaints lodged with the Human Rights and
Equal Opportunities Commission and similar bodies;

 

1.6.

the Internal Audit and Risk Management team is adequately funded to fulfil its purpose and has been given access to all necessary information;

 

1.7.

the University has in place sufficient policies, procedures and processes to ensure that it complies with all legal requirements.

2.

To report to the Senate:

 

2.1.

at least quarterly on its deliberations, by furnishing its minutes to the Senate;

 

2.2.

on any pressing matters, to report to the Chancellor before that time;

 

2.3

once a year to provide an overview of audit and risk management matters.

Composition

-

4 Senators who are not University staff. 

-

2 members who are not Senators or University staff.

-

An elected student member of Senate or Guild President ex-officio (observer status only)

-

The membership will include at least one male and at least one female.

-

Standing observers: Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Corporate), General Counsel & University Secretary and a nominee of the Office of the Auditor General.

-

Secretary: Director of Internal Audit and Risk Management.

Membership criteria

All members

  • High sense of probity.

  • Questioning mind and willingness to ask probing questions.

  • Independence from University management.

  • Not staff of the University.

  • A basic financial understanding (ability to understand a set of accounts), or be trained in it.

Among members

  • At least one member (preferably the Chair) with financial skills and experience.

  • One lay member with the skills and time to also serve on Resources Committee.

  • At least one member with experience of risk management.

  • Strategic thinking skills.