EU Mini Benchmark: Coordination Between Internal Audit and Second Line Functions
The results of the EU mini benchmark on coordination between internal audit and the second line are now available. In May, 285 internal audit professionals across thirteen European countries, including 71 from the Netherlands, participated in this short survey on how internal audit functions coordinate with risk management, compliance, cybersecurity and other second-line functions.
Respondents report the most intensive coordination with risk management and compliance, and the least with human relations and quality control. Better coverage of important risks and preventing duplication of work are the most frequently mentioned goals of coordination. Among the conditions for good coordination, periodic meetings and an open mind receive the highest scores, whilst a joint manager above the second and third lines is consistently considered unimportant.
The Dutch results differ from the European picture on several points. Combining the CAE role with second-line responsibilities is less common in the Netherlands than elsewhere in Europe, most markedly in the financial sector. Dutch respondents more often mention better understanding of each other's work as a goal of coordination, and report lower improvement needs on methodological aspects such as techniques and the recording of results.
The results are presented in two reports. The first places the Dutch results in a European perspective and includes a breakdown by sector within the Netherlands. The second compares the six countries with at least fifteen respondents and offers a broader European picture. Both reports are intended as a mirror for reflection: the figures invite discussion rather than firm conclusions, and readers are encouraged to weigh the patterns against their own context.
The topic most frequently requested by Dutch respondents for a future poll is insight and foresight as services, a theme that connects directly to the practice guide Insight & Foresight, which IIA Netherlands will publish shortly. The topic of the next EU mini benchmark will be announced in due course.
Curious how your organisation compares? Download the reports and use the findings as a starting point for discussion within your audit function and with second line stakeholders.
