Richard Chambers' blog

In his blog on Internal Auditor Online, IIA President and CEO Richard Chambers, CIA, QIAL, CGAP, CCSA, CRMA, shares his personal reflections and insights on the internal audit profession.

When Lines to Internal Audit Fall Silent, It's Time to Reach Out

As the COVID-19 pandemic extends further into the second half of the year, many of us have fallen into a grudging acceptance that disruptions to our home and work routines, once viewed as temporary, could continue indefinitely. It is safe to say that reactions to the global health and economic crisis have unsettled lifestyles, stretched resources, and tested patience and process.

Efforts to manage health and business risks associated with the pandemic have seen varying levels of success. There are differing opinions as to which impacts may permanently change our lives and which are temporary and will disappear as the deadly virus fades in the wake of a vaccine. However, one thing the tumult of this historic disturbance has reaffirmed for me professionally is the value of building strong relationships with our stakeholders. 

There is evidence — anecdotal and statistical — that points to a correlation between the strength of stakeholder relationships and the level of involvement internal audit functions had in responding to the pandemic. I believe those who invested in establishing and nurturing relationships with management and boards before the pandemic were more likely to be actively involved, while those that didn't sat on the sidelines.

Read the full InternalAuditor.org blog post from IIA President and CEO Richard Chambers.