Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Auditing Human Resources Processes

HR processes carry risks related to legal compliance, payroll, fraud, fairness and data protection. This course covers auditing HR: recruitment and onboarding, employee records, payroll and benefits, performance and promotion, training, leavers and HR data security.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

HR audits protect the organisation from legal and financial exposure. You will learn a complete approach to auditing HR.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Audit programme design, file testing exercises, data analytics and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify key HR risks and controls
Audit recruitment and onboarding
Test employee records and payroll links
Review performance, promotion and reward decisions
Audit training and leaver processes
Assess HR data protection

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Internal auditors
HR auditors and compliance staff
HR managers
Audit managers
Risk professionals

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

HR risk assessment
Process testing
Data analysis
Compliance review
Reporting

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1HR Risks

09:00–10:08HR life cycle
10:08–11:00Legal and fraud risks
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Legal and fraud risks (continued)
11:45–12:53Controls
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Recruitment and Records

09:00–10:08Recruitment controls
10:08–11:00Onboarding
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Onboarding (continued)
11:45–12:53Employee files
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Pay and Benefits

09:00–10:08Payroll links
10:08–11:00Benefits
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Benefits (continued)
11:45–12:53Allowances
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Performance and Development

09:00–10:08Performance and promotion
10:08–11:00Training records
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Training records (continued)
11:45–12:53Fairness
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Leavers and Data

09:00–10:08Leaver processes
10:08–11:00Access removal
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Access removal (continued)
11:45–12:53HR data protection
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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