CHEIA's History
September 1990
The Universities Internal Audit Group (UIAG) invited Heads of Audit from the in-house audit providers to the Polytechnics, the latter all having left control of their local authorities in 1989. The practice of the UIAG had been for each of its members to host a conference / gathering over a couple of days each year at their own institutions using the onsite conference management facilities and student accommodation. The event in 1990 was at Liverpool University. Similar events were held successively at Essex and Newcastle in 1991 and 1992.
September 1992
In autumn 1992 the Government provided the opportunity for Polytechnics to become formal universities and with that development in mind there had been discussions between some members of the UIAG and its Polytechnic invitees to look at creating a representative group in the new enlarged sector in respect of internal audit provision. At the AGM held in Newcastle the proposal was made to create a new body with the identity of CHEIA. A constitution was developed and an executive was formed.
The first task was to professionalise the annual conference. In its first year CHEIA set up a membership list and regional groups in the south, north east and north westEngland as well as another group to represent membership in Scotland and Ireland.
September 1993
The final year where the conference was organised by one of the existing members of the UIAG and held at their institution (Royal Holloway). Annual membership fees were introduced at £25.
September 1994 onwards
CHEIA now formally established, organised conferences. The Executive usually comprising 7 to 9 members met 4 times a year to discuss a variety of business matters, professional development and conference organisation.
Conferences have been held at various quality venues within the sector. Conference programmes have become increasingly topical and the quality of speakers and material has continued to improve. CHEIA also, in its earlier years organised a series of training courses aimed at new internal auditors in the sector, with a great deal of success and support. Over the period CHEIA has developed its reputation in the sector and particular with HEFCE other stakeholders.
2008 onwards
CHEIA is now positioned as the voice of internal audit in the sector. The executive is comprised of in-house heads of audit, directors of audit from the professional services firms and for 2009 is hoping to have a representative from the consortia groups working in the UK HE sector. CHEIA has returned to its roots, working to provide relevant training courses to its members and the provision of forums for the debate of professional concerns to the sector and specifically its audit community. CHEIA has increasing membership and influence with the sector and its stakeholders.