On 2 April 2012 the Research Councils Internal Audit Service (RCIAS) merged with RCUK Assurance to create a single audit and assurance body. The new merged organisation is called Audit and Assurance Services Group (AASG) which reflects its new combined assurance role and the variety of customers it now serves.
The main activities of the two underlying business operations will not change and each which will retain separate identities within the new structure.
Gareth MacDonald, Associate Director of Audit and Assurance Services Group said: “This merger offers an excellent opportunity to streamline business practices, where it is appropriate to do so, and will result in a more cost effective and efficient delivery of assurance services to stakeholders.”
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Further information
Contact:
Alexandra Saxon
Head of Communications
Tel: 01793 444474 or email: Alexandra Saxon
Notes to editors
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).