The Audit and Risk Committee: An Introduction

Strengthen Oversight. Build Trust. Lead with Assurance.

The role of the Audit and Risk Committee is more vital than ever. The Audit and Risk Committee is a key arm of the governance structure of an organisation. They oversee the financial reporting process to ensure the balance, transparency and integrity of financial information.

Develop your role as a director on these committees in our upcoming Audit and Risk Committee Workshop.

This workshop will offer a practical insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and strategic value of these committees.  

Who is this workshop for?

• Executive Directors.
• Non-Executive Directors.
• Members of the C-suite and Senior Management team.

Why should I book this workshop?

• Learn the role of the audit and risk committee, including its value to the board.
• Understand the main responsibilities of the ARC, such as:
  • Risk management and internal control
  • Internal and external audit
  • Financial reporting
  • Compliance
• Develop the key skills you need to contribute as a member to these committees.
• Gain the tools to oversee risk and support sound financial governance at board level.
• Gain 6 hours of CPD.

What people are saying

"This introduction to joining an Audit & Risk Committee was insightful and delivered with superb clarity pitched perfectly for all experiences of the participants. Highly recommended for all new or aspiring Board members."

Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec and INED Iput Real Estate Dublin

“This workshop was very useful in explaining, in appropriate detail, the basic elements required, and expectations of a board, from a member joining an Audit & Risk committee. The content was relevant and was very well presented by a knowledgeable & competent professional.”

Fergus McNamara, Dublin Town BID Company

"Great course, would recommend it highly."

Peter Carroll CDir, BDO Ireland

"Having recently joined an Audit & Risk Committee, the 'Audit and Risk Committee: An Introduction' workshop was pitched perfectly.  The content was thorough, relevant, current and Martina generously shared her wealth of insights. The use of case studies and discussion with peer Directors was very useful.  I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone considering joining an Audit and Risk Committee."

Karen Morton, Non-Executive Director, daa plc

"I would recommend the Audit and Risk Committee workshop highly to people from all backgrounds who want to improve their ability to identify and manage risks and to chair, participate in or engage with Audit and Risk Committees. As well as providing a solid grounding on the fundamentals, the leader provided excellent guidance on how non-financial  and emergent risks should be addressed. Input from participants was also encouraged and added a lot of value."

David Codd, Transformation Leader and former CIO, Musgrave

John O'Grady is a Chartered Accountant with extensive financial services experience particularly in the insurance industry. He is currently Indepedent Non-Executive Director with An Post, Chair of their Audit & Risk Committee and a member of their Nomination/Remuneration Committee. John is also on the board of Ayvens Insurance and a member of both their Audit Committee and Risk Committee. 

John was previously Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of FBD Holdings PLC from 2016 until his retirement from the position at the end of 2023. Before that, John worked for Liberty Insurance Limited as Finance Director and he also worked for Aviva and its predecessor companies in Ireland in various roles between 1989 and 2012, including Finance Director, Claims Director and Operations Director. 

John is also a Chartered Director with a Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction awarded by the Institute of Directors. 

1. What is the Audit and Risk Committee: An Introduction workshop about? 

This workshop introduces the key responsibilities, governance role, and strategic value of audit and risk committees (ARCs) within Irish organisations. The material is designed to help directors and aspiring committee members understand how to contribute to these committees effectively. 

2. What are the main topics covered in this workshop? 

Workshop participants will cover these key topics: 

• The role and responsibilities of audit and risk committees
• Financial oversight and internal controls
• Risk identification and management

3. Is prior financial or audit experience required?

No. This workshop is designed for participants from all professional backgrounds, including those without any finance or audit experience.
 
4. Who is the faculty lead for the Audit and Risk Committee: An Introduction workshop? 

The faculty lead for this workshop will be John O'Grady CDir, Chartered Director and Chartered Accountant. John has extensive financial services experience particularly in the insurance industry. 

5. When and where is this workshop taking place? 

This workshop will take place on Wednesday, 14th October 2026. It is a full-day in-person workshop taking place from 9:00am to 4:30pm at the IMI, Sandyford Road, Dublin 16. 

6. How much does this workshop cost? 

Prices for this workshop range from €485 - €575, depending on IoD Ireland membership status. 

7. Is this workshop right for me?
 
If you are considering joining an Audit and Risk Committee soon or in the future, this workshop is a great opportunity to get a practical overview of what you can expect as a board director.

8. I’d like more information about this workshop before I book. Who can I speak to? 

If you’d like to learn more about the Audit and Risk Committee: An Introduction workshop, get in touch with Gillian Roddie, our Learning and Education Manager by emailing [email protected] or calling us at 01 411 0010. 

Is this eligible for CPD?

Dimension covered: Governance Framework

Eligible hours: 6 hours of Chartered Director CPD

This session may be eligible for other professional body CPD. Check with your relevant professional body.

Workshop participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance on completion of the session.

What is the cost?

IoD members - €485

Non-members - €575 

Cancellation and refund policy

Places are confirmed upon full payment. Cancellations with a full refund are accepted in writing to [email protected] six days in advance of the workshop taking place. After this date, no refunds are possible, and all fees are forfeited for cancellations or non-attendance. 

Group bookings

Contact the IoD Ireland Learning and Education team on [email protected] or phone +353 1 411 0010.

Want to connect with fellow workshop participants?

All workshop attendees will receive a list of all other workshop participants in advance of the session. This will include name, job title and organisation. If you have any queries around this  please contact the Learning and Education Team.

For GDPR reasons, we cannot provide contact details on the attendee list. 

Questions?

Reach out to Gillian, our Learning and Education Manager, if you would like more information about our upcoming workshops by emailing [email protected] or calling +353 1 411 0010. 

Workshop material is prepared by IoD trainers and produced by the IoD wholly and exclusively for use by workshop participants. Please note that workshop material is provided in soft copy to all participants.