Assurance Practice Note

Providing assurance on HEFCE grants

HEFCE requires audit reports to provide assurance on the use of grants and to support the release of final payments in respect of some of the projects we fund. Audit Practice Note 1/04 (APN 1/04) sets out the approach and format to be used to deliver the appropriate report. It also describes HEFCE's requirements and provides guidance on the interpretation of those requirements.

Auditors will need to discuss with institutions the need for such reports so that provision can be included within any work plans.

APN 1/04 supersedes Audit Practice Note 1/99 and the specific Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF) version issued in 2002. In developing it we have taken account of responses to formal and informal consultation with the higher education sector in 2003-04.

The assurance and institutional risk service welcomes comments on APN 1/04, and how it is used in practice.