The Internal Audit programmes covering key financial controls have been aligned with this framework to ensure consistency of approach. There are a number of key committees which play a role in monitoring compliance with internal controls. During the year it met six times and covered topics on social, environmental, ethical, operational, commercial and corporate, property and financial matters. The Audit Committee reports to the Board each year on its assessment of the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems for the financial year and the period to the date of approval of the financial statements.