I’m Steve Sanders and I’ve been Group Chief Internal Auditor (GCIA) for Bank of Ireland since August 2019. 

My role in GIA (Group Internal Audit) is to support my superb team in being the best they can be to #helpmakeBOIbetter. I support them by backing them up when they need it, creating the environment for them to be able to operate at their best and unleash their powerful insights, and to coordinate all of our hard efforts, so that we achieve our wider strategic intent as department.

In a wider Group context, my role as GCIA is to represent my team in providing independent assurance to the members of the Court, GAC, CRC and key subsidiary boards, audit and risk committees, senior management and other key parties, including the Group’s regulators and external auditors.

My typical working day is never typical! I’m generally interacting with various GIA colleagues, GEC (Group Executive Committee) colleagues, Board Directors, stakeholders and regulators on anything from reviewing audit reports, discussing wider strategic objectives, participating in Committee meetings or speaking at events. 

I am also passionate about my profession and active in external organisations, professional bodies and discussions, to further the auditing profession forward in the world. We are a force to make things better in our organisations and communities and I want us to live up to that!

Before becoming GCIA, I was Head of Audit for Bank of Ireland UK Plc. I held a number of senior roles in the Internal Audit function of Barclays Bank and the Assurance division of PwC. As it turns out, I am a bit of a career auditor!

I am ACA qualified and have completed the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMs) qualification. I’m also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors. 

What I love about working for Group Internal Audit is that it provides a unique opportunity to view the Bank through a holistic lens and to gain deep insight into all of the Bank's activities and work closely with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, adding real value and providing independent challenging, risk focused assurance and insight. I feel like I can really make a difference.

It’s great to work in such an agile and dynamic culture with colleagues who are motivated and passionate about putting our Purpose into action!