Agenda – 2026
INTERNAL LEADERSHIP AUDIT SUMMIT
Overall Summit Outcomes
By the end of the three days, participants will:
- Reposition Internal Audit as a strategic resilience partner
- Strengthen digital and data-enabled audit capabilities
- Improve board-level communication and influence
- Understand emerging ESG and sustainability assurance demands
- Develop a future-ready roadmap for their audit functions
Agenda & Session Highlights
DAY 1: Strategic Audit & Organisational Resilience
Theme: Elevating Internal Audit to Strategic Influence
Day 1 Synopsis
The first day focuses on Internal Audit’s expanding role in governance and strategy. It challenges auditors to rethink their positioning — from reactive control testing to proactive strategic insight. The sessions explore risk appetite alignment, board-level communication, and the integration of ERM with audit planning.
Participants will gain clarity on how to:
- Align audit plans with organisational strategy
- Influence executive conversations
- Measure and assess risk culture
- Strengthen credibility at board level
Subtopics
- The Strategic Auditor: From Control Checker to Trusted Advisor
- Risk Appetite, Risk Culture & Resilience Metrics
- What Audit Committees Expect in 2026
- Designing Risk-Based Audit Plans Linked to Strategy
- Building an Influential Audit Voice
- Managing Difficult Governance Conversations
DAY 2: Digital Audit, AI & Emerging Risks
Theme: Leveraging Technology for Intelligent Assurance
Day 2 Synopsis
Technology is reshaping both risk and assurance. From AI to cybersecurity to continuous monitoring, internal auditors must understand and leverage digital tools while also auditing their governance. Day 2 provides a practical and strategic look at digital transformation risks and how Internal Audit can remain relevant in a tech-driven environment.
Participants will explore:
- AI governance and assurance
- Data analytics in audit execution
- Cybersecurity and digital trust
- Continuous auditing models
This day balances strategic awareness with hands-on application.
Subtopics
- AI, Automation & the Future of Assurance
- Cybersecurity & Digital Trust Oversight
- Audit Data Analytics & Continuous Monitoring
- Auditing AI Systems & Algorithmic Controls
- Digital Transformation Risk Governance
- Building a Tech-Enabled Audit Function
DAY 3: ESG, People & The Future of Internal Audit
Focus: Sustaining Impact Through Leadership, Brand & Sustainability
Day 3 Synopsis
The final day addresses sustainability, talent, emotional intelligence, and long-term positioning of the Internal Audit function. It explores ESG assurance, leadership presence, audit brand building, and talent development — recognising that technical excellence alone is no longer sufficient. Internal Audit’s influence is shaped not only by what it audits, but how it communicates, leads, and adapts.
Participants will learn how to:
- Provide assurance over ESG and sustainability risks
- Strengthen audit credibility and visibility
- Lead high-performing audit teams
- Future-proof their audit functions
Subtopics
Internal Audit 2026: Driving Strategic Resilience in a World of Disruption
- ESG & Sustainability Assurance Frameworks
- Climate Risk & Governance Oversight
- Strengthening the Internal Audit Brand
- Emotional Intelligence in Audit Leadership
- Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
- Internal Audit 2030: Vision & Capability Model