Arts University Bournemouth wishes to appoint a suitably qualified and independent provider to deliver a fully outsourced Internal Audit Service. The appointed provider will act as the University's Internal Audit function and provide independent assurance to the Board of Governors and Audit & Risk Committee regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, internal control and value-for-money arrangements. The contract will include, but not be limited to: • Provision of a named Head of Internal Audit; • Development of a risk-based Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Audit Plan; • Delivery of risk-based internal audit reviews; • Reporting to the Audit & Risk Committee and Board of Governors as required; • Follow-up and monitoring of management actions; • Provision of an annual Head of Internal Audit Opinion; • Special investigations and advisory assignments where independence can be maintained; and • Coordination with External Audit and other assurance providers. The contract is expected to commence on 1 August 2027 for an initial term of three years, with the option to extend for up to two additional periods of twelve months. This procurement is being conducted using a two-stage Competitive Flexible Procedure. Stage 1 comprises a Conditions of Participation / Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ). Suppliers meeting the requirements of the PSQ will be invited to participate in Stage 2, the Invitation to Tender (ITT).

Renewal: The contract will be awarded for an initial term of three (3) years commencing on 1 August 2027. Arts University Bournemouth reserves the right to extend the contract by up to two (2) additional periods of twelve (12) months each, subject to satisfactory supplier performance, continued business need and the University's sole discretion. The maximum potential contract term is therefore five (5) years ending on 31 July 2032.

Procurement Act 2023

Competitive flexible procedure

https://www.mytenders.co.uk/ Responses to the Conditions of Participation / Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) must be submitted electronically through the MyTenders e-tendering portal. Suppliers should not submit responses by email or post unless expressly instructed by Arts University Bournemouth. All clarification questions must be submitted through the messaging facility within the MyTenders portal no later than 21 October 2026. The deadline for submission of PSQ responses is 12:00 noon (UK local time) on 4 November 2026. Late submissions may not be accepted. Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that their submission is successfully uploaded and submitted before the deadline. Following completion of the PSQ stage, shortlisted suppliers will be invited to participate in Stage 2 (Invitation to Tender) through the University's e-tendering system.

PROCUREMENT SPECIFIC QUESTIONNAIRE (PSQ): https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=654563 Conflict of Interest Form: https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=654564 AUB Supplier Declaration Form: https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=654565 The technical specification and Conditions of Participation are contained within the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) and associated tender documents. The successful supplier will be required to provide a fully outsourced Internal Audit Service to Arts University Bournemouth, including the provision of a named Head of Internal Audit, development of risk-based audit plans, delivery of assurance reviews, reporting to the Audit & Risk Committee, provision of an annual Head of Internal Audit Opinion, and access to specialist audit resources where required. The service must be delivered in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards, Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors requirements, applicable legislation, and the requirements set out within the procurement documentation. All procurement documents are available through the MyTenders e-tendering portal.: https://www.mytenders.co.uk/authority/Authority_PubNoticeList.aspx