Tender Brief: Appointment of External Auditor

Introduction

Heneb – The Trust for Welsh Archaeology (“Heneb”) invites suitably qualified firms to tender for the provision of external audit services.

Heneb was established on 1 April 2024 following the merger of the four regional Welsh Archaeological Trusts. It operates as both a registered charity and a limited company, delivering professional archaeological services, heritage management advice, and maintaining the Historic Environment Record for Wales on behalf of Welsh Government Minsters.

Heneb seeks to appoint an auditor to provide independent assurance on its annual financial statements and to support strong financial governance as the organisation continues to grow and embed post‑merger arrangements.

• Conduct an independent audit of Heneb’s annual statutory accounts in accordance
  with:
  - Companies Act requirements
  - Charity SORP (FRS 102)
  - Relevant auditing standards
• Provide:
  - Audit opinion on annual financial statements
  - A management letter highlighting findings and recommendations
  - Advice on accounting and regulatory developments where appropriate
• Liaise with:
  - Chief Executive
  - Head of Finance and Business Services
  - Chair of the Finance Committee and Trustees
• Attend (as required):
  - Finance Committee meeting(s)
  - Annual General Meeting (as requested)

To reflect good practice in auditor rotation and ensure periodic market testing:
Initial appointment: 3 years, with the option to extend annually up to a maximum of 5 years, subject to satisfactory performance.

Heneb:

• Employs professional archaeological staff across Wales (x 68)
• Delivers both grant‑funded public services and commercial field services
• Operates within a regulated heritage and charity environment and is a Registered Organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
• Is committed to high standards of governance, transparency, and public accountability

• Your Profile and Experience
• An overview of the firm/auditor
• Relevant experience in auditing:
  Charities, Not‑for‑profit or public sector bodies & Comparable organisations in scale or complexity (turnover £3.5m per annum / 68 employees)

• Audit methodology
• Approach to risk assessment and materiality
• Use of digital tools
• Approach to keeping the audit process proportionate and efficient.

• Your key personnel and their roles in the audit process
• Experience of the engagement team
• Continuity arrangements

• Your proposed annual audit fee and structure

• Any additional support or insights offered (e.g. governance advice, sector updates)
• We are particularly keen to hear about e.g. Trustee training, Executive team training

• Professional credibility and track record
• Understanding of Heneb’s operating context
• Quality and clarity of proposed audit approach
• Value for money
• Ease and effectiveness of working relationship

These criteria reflect the Finance Committee’s emphasis on sector expertise, credibility, and collaborative working.

• Issue of tender: 22 June 2026
• Shortlisting:
  By 29 July 2026
• Interviews/presentations:
  By end September 2026
• Appointment recommendation to Board:
  By end October 2026
• Formal appointment (AGM or Board approval):
  November 2026

Heneb reserves the right to:

• Use both an open and selective tender approach
• Not appoint if no suitable submissions are received

Submissions should be provided electronically (PDF format) to  by 22 July 2026, 5pm.

Queries should be directed to:
Richard Nicholls (Chief Executive) and Denise Jones (Head of Finance and Business Services).

The appointment will be recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by the Trustees of Heneb, in accordance with company and charity governance requirements.

Further information about Heneb can be found at
Additional financial and governance information may be shared with shortlisted bidders.