The challenge

The client had an established control environment and existing independent assurance reporting, but the launch of a new business service created new expectations from customers and stakeholders. The organisation needed a clear pathway to demonstrate robust governance, control effectiveness and operational maturity while supporting business growth. 

Rather than simply obtaining an assurance report, the client wanted a long-term approach that would align with the maturity of the new service, reduce implementation challenges and create a strong platform for future assurance requirements. The challenge was to develop a practical, scalable framework that balanced immediate needs with longer-term strategic ambitions.

How we helped

Drawing on our knowledge of the client's control environment, we worked closely with stakeholders to create a phased assurance roadmap tailored to the organisation's growth plans. 

Rather than approaching assurance as a standalone compliance exercise, we worked with the client to develop a phased and commercially practical roadmap aligned to the maturity of the new service. Our existing knowledge of client's control environment enabled us to do more than simply deliver assurance services. We partnered with the client, sharing industry-standard control objectives, illustrative control activities and SOC reporting leading practices. This helped stakeholders understand the level of governance and control maturity expected by report users, whilst providing a practical roadmap for readiness and future certification. 

By combining assurance expertise with hands-on advisory support, we helped them build a sustainable control environment and accelerate its journey towards SOC reporting.

The results

The engagement delivered far more than an assurance programme. The client gained a clear roadmap for strengthening governance, improving control maturity and meeting increasing stakeholder expectations.

By taking a long-term, partnership-led approach, we helped create a framework capable of evolving alongside the business as services expand and assurance demands increase. The client committed to a multi-year programme of work, demonstrating confidence in both the solution and the strategic value of the approach. 

Today, the organisation is better positioned to demonstrate trust, transparency and operational excellence while supporting its future growth ambitions.

By combining assurance expertise with practical insight, we helped our client build a control framework that supports growth, enhances trust and creates lasting value beyond compliance.
Tim Foster-Key Grant Thornton UK

About our team

I oversee key service lines for our business risk department. I have 26 years experience in IT risk and controls, spread across many sectors and organisations, enabling me to drive real value into engagements. I initially trained as a financial auditor and then ran a software reselling business before moving into technology audit. I've worked extensively in the UK and abroad, which has exposed me to diverse cultures and working practices. 
Tim Foster-Key
Director