Published
By CPC Helpdesk
Planning an audit in 2025? CPC suggests you start the process as early as possible, as many providers are nearing their capacity already for this year. The following piece explains how you can use a CPC framework to get ahead of the game.
Institutions can procure audit services efficiently and compliantly through our Audit and Financial Services framework, which offers a comprehensive range of audit and financial service provisions and meets all of the requirements that are set in SORP, the Post-16 Audit Code of Practice and the Academies Financial Handbook 2019. The framework also anticipates any future requirements that might be imposed on members by the UK Government, Department for Education and funding bodies.
We would advise any CPC members preparing for an audit process in the not-so-distant future to start arranging any tenders sooner rather than later, as securing an external auditor will become increasingly challenging for smaller institutions (such as schools and academies) as we get closer to the start of the next new academic year. But don’t worry, our CPC team can help!
With a dedicated CPC Contracts Manager, user guide, template documentation and more, including the use of our Quote Tool or Sourcing Cloud (dependent on the value of your purchase), CPC’s Audit and Financial Services framework provides internal and external audit and financial services across no fewer than 29 separate lots, which together span the entire United Kingdom. Each of these lots is comprised of 5 to 15 suppliers, all of whom have been assessed, then approved, for their quality/capability.
By completing this initial sift, CPC has established a pool of suitable providers, helping members save valuable time and effort. Members can then duly launch a mini competition between incumbent suppliers or (where/when appropriate) explore a direct award, with more information on the options and benefits available on our Audit and Financial Services CPC framework page.
As a side note, by using the framework, you are also helping contribute to our Giving Back charity initiative, which is focused on supporting special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) students and increasing/improving wellbeing, while reducing absenteeism. With its latest funding window closing on 28th February, Giving Back is poised to make a difference at a number of institutions in 2025, as CPC continues its efforts to support the education sector through a variety of routes and approaches.
For more information about the Audit and Financial Services framework, please contact its Contracts Manager, Lisa O'Shea.