Audit Services Market Update

Date: 30th Mar 2022   By: Ria Logan   length:    Tags: Beginner  

CPC feel the importance to keep members up to date with the current ongoing issues that are happening within the Audit market and help them to be aware of how these may impact procurement processes. We would therefore like to share the following update below from Category Manager Ria Logan, in respect of using our Audit Services framework during these times.

The audit sector has recently been impacted by significant recruitment challenges for both senior auditors and education specialist auditors. Due to these recruitment issues, the audit sector is experiencing a lack in resources and capacity across the country. As the whole of the Education Sector require their external audits to be conducted at the same time of year, the auditors on the framework are limited on the number of members they can audit per year. The peak time for tendering for audit services is December and January. By the end of February the majority of audit providers have completed their work plan for the next year.

In order to manage expectations CPC advise that members use the pre-market warm up letter on the Audit Services framework page  prior to running a further competition. Complete the letter with as much detail as possible including the service you require, contract value and if you would like the audit completed remotely, hybrid or onsite. Due to the ongoing capacity issues, we have seen a preference from suppliers to deliver their services remotely as it allows them to be more efficient with their limited resources.

If members are in a position where they have zero expressions of interest they may wish to extend with their incumbent supplier or source locally. This is a market issue not a framework issue, therefore, if members were to conduct their own full tender process the results will likely be the same.

Internal audit has also been affected by the recruitment struggles however there is more flexibility as internal audits can be completed any time of year.